Stockwinners Market Radar for July 31, 2017 - Earnings, Upgrades downgrades, option trades, Best Stock Advisory Service

PROV

Hot Stocks

19:28 EDT Provident Financial raises quarterly dividend 8% to 14c per share - Provident Financial announced that its board of directors declared a quarterly cash dividend of 14c per share, reflecting an 8% increase from the 13c per share paid on June 9, 2017. Shareholders of the company's common stock at the close of business on August 21, 2017 will be entitled to receive the cash dividend. The cash dividend will be payable on September 11, 2017.
GERN JNJ

Hot Stocks

19:02 EDT Geron: IMerge trial to be expanded, IMbark trial to remain unchanged - Geron Corporation (GERN) announced updates to the clinical development plans for IMerge and IMbark, the ongoing trials of the telomerase inhibitor imetelstat in lower risk myelodysplastic syndromes and relapsed or refractory myelofibrosis, respectively, being conducted by Janssen Research & Development (JNJ). For IMerge, Part 1 will be expanded to enroll additional patients in a refined MDS population to confirm the clinical benefit and safety observed from current results. For IMbark, the trial remains unchanged. Geron expects that the IMbark protocol-specified primary analysis, the completion of which triggers a future Continuation Decision by Janssen, will begin no later than the third quarter of 2018.
LPX IBTGF

Hot Stocks

19:00 EDT Louisiana-Pacific to acquire Int'l Barrier Tech for $22M - Louisiana-Pacific Corporation (LPX) announced it has entered into an arrangement agreement to acquire Watkins, Minn.-based International Barrier Technology Inc. (IBTGF) for $22M. The agreement is for 100% of the shares of Barrier, a British Columbia company publicly traded on the TSX Venture Exchange, making Barrier a wholly owned subsidiary of LP. The transaction is subject to the approval of the Barrier shareholders and satisfaction of customary conditions, including court approval.
TEP

Hot Stocks

18:59 EDT Tallgrass Pony Express announces open season - Tallgrass Pony Express Pipeline announced a second open season to offer potential shippers another contracting option to make a commitment to a proposed extension and expansion of Pony Express's system. This open season offers new capacity and transportation service on a proposed extension of the Pony Express system beginning at a new origin near Platteville, Colorado and ending at the Buckingham point, as well as potential expanded capacity on Pony Express's existing pipeline system. Together, the Platteville Extension and the Existing System Expansion are the "Project." The Project will provide transportation service for petroleum meeting the Condensate common stream criteria to be established by Pony Express. Tallgrass Energy Partners is the managing company of Pony Express
FTD

Hot Stocks

18:33 EDT FTD Companies appoints Simha Kumar as COO - FTD Companies announced the appointment of Simha Kumar as Executive Vice President and COO, effective August 1. Kumar will lead FTD's U.S. consumer businesses and provide enterprise leadership as the Company completes its ongoing strategic review and embarks on its future plans. He will report directly to John Walden, FTD's President and CEO. Kumar has over 18 years of experience in e-commerce and consumer facing industries. Kumar joins FTD from Sears Holding Corporation where he served as President of the Toys, Sporting Goods and Fitness retail divisions from December 2014 to July 2017, with operations across approximately 1,700 retail stores and online channels.
SNE

Hot Stocks

18:31 EDT Sony Pictures TV to acquire majority stake in Funimation Productions - Sony Pictures Television Networks has reached an agreement to acquire a substantial majority stake in Japanese anime distributor Funimation Productions, Ltd., subject to regulatory approvals and certain other closing conditions, valuing the company at approximately $150M. Gen Fukunaga, CEO of Funimation, will retain a minority stake in the business and remain CEO. With a catalog that includes popular titles such as "Dragon Ball Z", "Cowboy Bebop", "One Piece", "My Hero Academia" and "Attack on Titan", Funimation licenses and distributes Japanese anime content in the U.S., and operates the subscription streaming service FunimationNOW, available via the PlayStation Store, iTunes Store, Google Play, Amazon Apps, Xbox Store and mobile devices. Additionally, the company sells merchandise and DVDs through its website, Funimation.com.
FRT

Hot Stocks

18:16 EDT Federal Realty increases dividend to $1.00 from 98c - Federal Realty Investment Trust announced the approval by its Board of Trustees of an increase in the regular dividend rate on its common shares to $1.00 per share per quarter resulting in an annualized dividend rate of $4.00 per share. The quarterly cash dividend will be payable on October 16 to common shareholders of record as of September 22.
LXRX SNY

Hot Stocks

18:04 EDT Lexicon exercises option under pact with Sanofi to co-promote sotagliflozin - Lexicon Pharmaceuticals (LXRX) announced that it has exercised its option under its collaboration and license agreement with Sanofi (SNY) to co-promote sotagliflozin, an investigational oral dual inhibitor of sodium-glucose cotransporters 1 and 2, for the treatment of type 1 diabetes in the U.S. The opt-in decision was based on positive data from three Phase 3 studies, inTandem1, inTandem2, and inTandem3 and is aligned to a planned regulatory filing in the U.S. Sanofi intends to file applications in the first half of 2018 for the EU and U.S. regulatory reviews of sotagliflozin for the treatment of type 1 diabetes, pending the full read out of Phase 3 data.
SIMO

Hot Stocks

18:02 EDT Silicon Motion announces new $200M share repurchase program - Silicon Motion announced that its Board of Directors has authorized a new program for the company to repurchase up to $200M of its ADS over a 12 month period. Separately, Silicon Motion executive officers have notified the company that they intend to purchase $2.5M of its ADSs. The plan does not obligate the company to acquire any particular amount of ADS, and it may be suspended at any time at the company's discretion. The company's CEO, CFO and several other executive officers have notified us of their intention to acquire within the next 6 months a total of up to $2.5M of the company's ADSs, subject to compliance with relevant securities laws and regulations and company policies.
OSK

Hot Stocks

17:49 EDT Oshkosh awarded $195.5M government contract - Oshkosh Defense, LLC, Oshkosh, Wisconsin, has been awarded a $195,483,510 modification to contract W56HZV-15-C-0095 to exercise available options for 748 vehicles and 2,359 installed and packaged kits. Work will be performed in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, with an estimated completion date of November 30, 2018. Fiscal 2015, 2016 and 2017 Other Procurement, Army and Research, Development, Test and Evaluation funds in the combined amount of $195,483,510 were obligated at the time of the award. U.S. Army Contracting Command, Warren, Michigan, is the contracting activity.
GD

Hot Stocks

17:48 EDT General Dynamics awarded $270.2M government contract - General Dynamics Land Systems, Sterling Heights, Michigan, has been awarded a $270,165,431 fixed-price-incentive contract for to install and integrate the SEPv2 legacy unique components resulting in 45 M1A2 SEPv3 Abrams Main Battle tanks; procure, stock and store 60 sets of SEPv2 legacy and SEPv3 unique components; procure Integrated Product Support requirements of Lisa, special tooling and test equipment, and the systems support package. One bid was solicited and one bid received. Work will be performed in Lima, Ohio; Scranton, Pennsylvania; Anniston, Alabama; and Tallahassee, Florida; with an estimated completion date of August 31, 2019. Fiscal 2017 Other funds in the amount of $270,165,431 were obligated at the time of the award. U.S. Army Contracting Command, Warren, Michigan, is the contracting activity.
LMT

Hot Stocks

17:47 EDT Lockheed Martin awarded $211.2M government contract modification - Lockheed Martin Corp., Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Co., Fort Worth, Texas, is being awarded $211.2M for modification P00017 to a previously awarded cost-plus-fixed-fee, firm-fixed-price contract. This modification provides for the procurement of production non-recurring special tooling and special test equipment that are required to meet current and future F-35 production rates. Work is expected to be completed in May 2021. The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Maryland, is the contracting activity.
OLN

Hot Stocks

17:35 EDT Olin reaffirms FY17 adjusted EBITDA view $1B - The company said, "We expect second half 2017 adjusted EBITDA to be significantly higher than the first half 2017 levels. The second half 2017 adjusted EBITDA is forecast to benefit from reduced maintenance turnaround activity compared to the first half levels. This benefit is expected to be approximately $110M. The Chlor Alkali Products and Vinyls business is forecast to benefit in second half 2017 from stronger demand across all products, improved caustic soda and chlorine prices and lower ethylene costs. The second half 2017 Epoxy results are expected to benefit from more favorable pricing and lower raw material costs than were experienced in the first half 2017. In second half 2017, we expect Winchester will benefit from the seasonally strong third quarter commercial ammunition demand and an expected improvement in military sales. For FY17, we are reiterating our annual adjusted EBITDA forecast of approximately $1B with upside opportunities and downside risks of approximately 5%."
FRAC

Hot Stocks

17:32 EDT Keane Group sees Q3 revenue up 45%-60% sequentially - Approximately 60% of this sequential growth is forecasted to be driven by contribution from five active hydraulic fracturing fleets acquired during the RockPile transaction, while the remaining 40% will be driven by higher pricing, greater efficiencies and the deployment of an additional hydraulic fracturing fleet. Keane expects to exit the Q3 with 25 active hydraulic fracturing fleets, including those acquired during the RockPile transaction. Leading edge annualized Adjusted Gross Profit per fleet is expected to increase to the mid-to-high teens, up from approximately $12M-$13M in May, driven by constructive supply and demand dynamics. Based on current market conditions, Keane expects its full portfolio of hydraulic fracturing fleets to be deployed and accrue toward these leading edge margins ratably through the end of 2017. Cementing and workover operations acquired with the RockPile transaction together represent a current annual revenue run rate of $35M-$40M, with 10-15% gross margins. Keane intends to further evaluate these businesses with regards to opportunities for optimization and growth, including the potential to activate its idle cementing assets.
CGNX...

Hot Stocks

17:32 EDT On The Fly: After Hours Movers - UP AFTER EARNINGS: Cognex (CGNX), up 9.4%... Spring Bank (SBPH), up 7.3%... Texas Roadhouse (TXRH), up 7.3%... Allison Transmission (ALSN), up 7.1%... Brixmor Property Group (BRX), up 3.7%... TriNet (TNET), up 1.9%. ALSO HIGHER: Proteostasis Therapeutics (PTI), up 49.7% after it said that data from its ongoing Phase 1/2 study of PTI-428 continues to demonstrated a "favorabel safety and pharmacokinetic profile"... Groupon (GRPN), up 1.9% after it announced a strategic food delivery partnership with GrubHub (GRUB). DOWN AFTER EARNINGS: U.S. Silica (SLCA), down 8.7%... Nautilus (NLS), down 6.5%... Kona Grill (KONA), down 5.7%... Amkor Technology (AMKR), down 5.5%... Pandora (P), down 2.5%... SBA Communications (SBAC), down 1.8%. ALSO LOWER: Puma Biotechnology (PBYI), down 3.2% after it announced the availability of NERLYNX in the U.S.
SFE NVTA

Hot Stocks

17:30 EDT Safeguard Scientifics partner Good Start Genetics to be acquired by Invitae - Safeguard Scientifics (SFE) announced that its partner company, Good Start Genetics, signed a definitive agreement to be acquired by San Francisco-based genetics information company, Invitae (NVTA). The transaction is expected to close in the first part of August 2017, subject to customary closing conditions. Safeguard expects to receive initial consideration consisting of $3.8M of Invitae common stock, based on the 30-day trailing average stock price, and an additional $1.3M of Invitae common stock which will be held in escrow for up to 13 months.
CBMX

Hot Stocks

17:30 EDT CombiMatrix trading resumes
GE

Hot Stocks

17:27 EDT GE announces new service model for Industrial Software customers - GE Digital announced a new service model for customers of its Industrial Software solutions. "Acceleration Plans drive faster time to outcomes and return on software investment by providing subscribers with the support, education and adoption tools needed to quickly and accurately gain insights into their most critical assets and operations. Depending on specific objectives, each tier, provides industrial customers with access to world-class support expertise, maintenance, training, and adoption and managed services capabilities," the company said. Reference Link
P

Hot Stocks

17:25 EDT Pandora sees FY17 sales, marketing expense flat with FY16 - Sees FY17 sales and market expense relatively flat with FY16. Sees R&D expense to remain "relatively flat" for the remainder of the year. Sees G&A as a percentage of revenue to decline through the remainder of the year.
FCN...

Hot Stocks

17:21 EDT FTI Consulting to replace Northern Oil and Gas in S&P 600 at open on 8/8
AN...

Hot Stocks

17:20 EDT AutoNation to replace FTI Consulting in S&P 400 at open on 8/8
BHF...

Hot Stocks

17:18 EDT Brighthouse Financial to replace AutoNation in S&P 500 at open on 8/7 - Brighthouse Financial (BHF) will be added to the S&P 500 effective prior to the open on Monday, August 7, replacing AutoNation (AN), which will be removed from the S&P 500 effective prior to the open on Tuesday, August 8.
P

Hot Stocks

17:16 EDT Pandora sees ad business trends continuing to improve - Sees trends in ad business continuing to improve. Says local advertising rose 15% y/y. Sees further opportunity to expand in local advertising. Says will introduce programmatic video ads in Q4. Says now focusing on acquiring active users for ad-supported service.
PTX

Hot Stocks

17:12 EDT Highbridge reports 2.1% passive stake in Pernix Therapeutics
P SIRI

Hot Stocks

17:10 EDT Pandora: Financial future 'secure' after SiriusXM investment - Pandora (P) says its financial future is "secure" after SiriusXM (SIRI) investment. Says "encouraged" that decline in active users in Q2 was lower than decline in Q1. Says seeing stronger than expected user engagement. Says will do more to arrest decline in users. Comments taken from Q2 earnings conference call.
TRCO APO

Hot Stocks

17:03 EDT Tribune Media sells majority stake in CareerBuilder for about $158M in cash - Tribune Media (TRCO) announced that it has sold the majority of its ownership stake in CareerBuilder, as TEGNA completed the sale of CareerBuilder to an investor group led by investment funds managed by affiliates of Apollo Global Management (APO), a leading global alternative investment manager, and the Ontario Teachers' Pension Plan Board. As a participant in the sale, Tribune Media will receive approximately $158M in cash and will retain an approximate 7% ownership stake in CareerBuilder on a fully-diluted basis.
GABC

Hot Stocks

17:03 EDT German American Bancorp raises quarterly dividend 8% to 13c per share - German American Bancorp announced the declaration of a regular quarterly cash dividend of 13c per share, which will be payable on August 20, 2017 to shareholders of record as of August 10, 2017. This level of regular quarterly cash dividend represents approximately an 8% increase, on a stock split adjusted basis, above the company's quarterly cash dividend level paid in the prior year.
CBMX NVTA

Hot Stocks

17:01 EDT CombiMatrix to be acquired by Invitae for $33M in stock - CombiMatrix (CBMX) announced that it has entered into a definitive merger agreement with Invitae Corporation (NVTA) to be acquired in an all-stock merger for approximately $33M of combined consideration, based on a fixed price per share of Invitae's common stock of $9.49 and subject to certain adjustments. The merger has been approved by each company's board and is conditioned upon, among other things, approval by CombiMatrix's stockholders, Invitae's registration of common stock to be used to acquire CombiMatrix, and at least 90% participation in a warrant exchange offer.
TREX

Hot Stocks

17:01 EDT Trex Company acquires SC Company, terms not disclosed - Trex Company announced that it has acquired substantially all of the assets of SC Company, the country's leading manufacturer and supplier of custom architectural railings and staging solutions based in Brooklyn Park, MN. This strategic purchase expands Trex's reach into the growing commercial arena and serves as the foundation for the launch of Trex Commercial Products, a subsidiary of Trex Company. The Trex Commercial Products subsidiary will operate out of the existing SC Company facilities in Brooklyn Park, MN, and Fort Mill, SC, with financial results reported under Trex Commercial Products.
P

Hot Stocks

16:58 EDT Pandora reports Q2 active listeners 76M - Reports Q2 listener hours 5.22B. Reprts Q2 Ticketing service revenue $29.7M.
CBMX

Hot Stocks

16:58 EDT CombiMatrix trading halted, news pending
ZPIN

Hot Stocks

16:45 EDT Elliott Associates reports 6.8% passive stake in Zhaopin
ETP BX

Hot Stocks

16:42 EDT Energy Transfer Partners to sell 49.9% interest in HoldCo. to Blackstone - Energy Transfer Partners (ETP) announced that its wholly owned subsidiaries, Energy Transfer Interstate Holdings, LLC and ET Rover Pipeline LLC, have signed an agreement with funds managed by Blackstone Energy Partners (BX) and Blackstone Capital Partners whereby Blackstone will contribute approximately $1.57B in cash in exchange for a 49.9% interest in HoldCo. HoldCo owns a 65% interest in Rover Pipeline LLC. HoldCo and Rover Pipeline LLC are constructing the Rover Pipeline and will be the operator of the pipeline once in service. Upon completion, the Rover Pipeline will be an approximately 700 mile pipeline designed to transport 3.25 billion cubic feet of natural gas per day from the Marcellus and Utica Shale production areas to markets across the United States as well as into Union Gas Dawn Hub in Ontario, Canada for redistribution back into the United States or into the Canadian market. The Blackstone investment will reimburse ETP for its pro rata share of the construction costs incurred by ETP through the closing date in connection with the Rover Pipeline, specified amounts of future construction costs and certain additional payments to ETP. ETP plans to use the proceeds to pay down debt and help fund its current growth projects, thereby greatly reducing its equity issuances. The transaction is expected to close in the fourth quarter of 2017, subject to customary closing conditions. Upon closing, HoldCo will be owned 50.1% by Energy Transfer and 49.9% by Blackstone.
ELY

Hot Stocks

16:41 EDT Callaway Golf names Brian Lynch as CFO, effective immediately - Callaway Golf announced the appointment of Brian Lynch as its CFO, effective immediately. Lynch also will continue in his role as Senior Vice President, General Counsel and Corporate Secretary. Lynch has served as Interim CFO since April 2017. Lynch, who joined Callaway in 1999, has 30 years of experience in financial, legal, strategic and operational roles. Since 2012, when he was named General Counsel, Lynch has been involved in all key strategic and financial matters for Callaway, including SEC compliance and public accounting matters.
MSA

Hot Stocks

16:41 EDT MSA Safety completes acquisition of Globe Holding for $215M - MSA Safety announced it has completed its acquisition of Globe Holding Company of Pittsfield, New Hampshire, in an all-cash transaction valued at $215M, or approximately 2 times revenue and 9 times EBITDA on a trailing 12 month basis. Globe is a leading innovator and manufacturer of firefighter protective clothing and boots, with approximately 420 employees across four U.S. locations. The transaction, which MSA announced in late June, was financed through incremental borrowings with an after-tax cost of less than 2%.
WYN

Hot Stocks

16:38 EDT Wyndham's RCI acquires Love Home Swap, terms not disclosed - RCI, part of the Wyndham Worldwide family of brands, has acquired London-based Love Home Swap, one of the world's largest home exchange programs. Through the acquisition, RCI adds a company that complements its existing business, broadens its appeal to a new base of holidaymakers and strengthens its position as a leader within the global alternative holiday accommodation sector. Love Home Swap, which has established a strong, loyal consumer base, will continue to run as an independent brand and be marketed separately from RCI. However, the similarities among these exchange-oriented businesses will allow for greater collaboration between the companies to foster growth and provide future travel benefits to their respective members.
CNXC

Hot Stocks

16:38 EDT CNX Coal Resources sees FY17 Adjusted EBITDA $95M-$115M - The company said "Based on our current contracted position, production plans and outlook for the coal markets, we are maintaining our sales volume and Adjusted EBITDA outlook for FY17: Coal sales of 6.4M-6.9M tons and maintenance capital expenditures of $30M-$34M.
CSTM

Hot Stocks

16:37 EDT Constellium intoduces alloys for automotive components - Constellium has introduced a new generation of high-strength 6000-series alloys, Constellium HSA6TM, to help automakers meet growing demand for lighter weight vehicles. Constellium HSA6TM is in production for several 2017 and 2018 model year vehicles, including the MINI Countryman. Ideal for extrusion-based Crash Management Systems, Body-in-White structural components and battery enclosures, Constellium HSA6TM allows designers to optimize extrusion shapes and reduce wall thickness to achieve weight savings of 15-30% compared to conventional aluminium alloys. With ultimate tensile strength higher than 400MPa, Constellium HSA6TM also provides enhanced recyclability, machinability and corrosion resistance.Alternately, Constellium HSA6TM can provide 15-30% additional strength to reduce intrusion in the event of a crash, thereby enhancing protection of batteries, cooling systems and other critical vehicle systems. Aluminium is the ideal material for absorbing energy in a collision to protect occupants, pedestrians and vehicle integrity. "With Constellium HSA6TM, we are able to offer automakers a family of the highest strength 6000-series aluminium alloys available on the market for extruded automotive components," said Martin Jarrett, Operational Excellence and Technology Director for Constellium's Automotive Structures and Industry business unit.
INTX

Hot Stocks

16:37 EDT Intersections divests Pet Health Monitoring Business - Intersections announced that it sold its wholly-owned subsidiary i4C Innovations LLC to a newly-formed entity of which Michael R. Stanfield, Intersections' Chairman and Founder, will be a minority investor, effective July 31, 2017. i4C Innovations LLC conducted the Company's Pet Health Monitoring Business known as Voyce. The sale of i4C Innovations LLC completes the Company's previously announced intentions of divesting non-core businesses and directing its resources toward identity and privacy protection services. Earlier this year, the Company sold its Bail Bonds Industry Solutions business and Habits at Work insurance consulting business as part of this initiative. The terms of the transaction were approved by the independent directors of the Board of Directors and required the consent of the company's lender. The sale of Voyce will mark the conclusion of all Intersections' operations in its Pet Health Monitoring reporting segment.
OKE

Hot Stocks

16:34 EDT Oneok to expand Canadian Valley natural gas processing facility to 400MMcf/d - ONEOK announced plans to expand its Canadian Valley natural gas processing facility in the STACK play of western Oklahoma to 400 million cubic feet per day, or MMcf/d, from 200 MMcf/d to support increasing production growth. The Canadian Valley II project in Canadian County, Oklahoma, is anticipated to be completed by the end of 2018. The expansion and related infrastructure is expected to cost approximately $155M-$165M and is supported by more than 200,000 acres of dedication, primarily fee-based contracts and minimum volume commitments.
OI

Hot Stocks

16:34 EDT Owens-Illinois unit receives cash payment of $115M - A European subsidiary of the company sold to a third party its right, title and interest in amounts due under its arbitration award against Venezuela. As consideration, the subsidiary received a cash payment of $115M, and retains a modest potential upside depending upon recovery of the award. In the event the award is partially or completely annulled, the subsidiary may be required to repay up to the entire amount of the cash payment to the third party. Consistent with the current emphasis on deleveraging, the Company intends to use the after-tax proceeds of the cash payments to reduce outstanding borrowings under its revolving line of credit.
SLCA

Hot Stocks

16:33 EDT U.S. Silica raises FY17 CapEx view to $325M-$375M from $125M-$150M
ZUMZ

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16:33 EDT Man Group reports 5.63% passive stake in Zumiez
TRU

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16:33 EDT Lone Pine Capital reports 5.1% passive stake in TransUnion
CFRX

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16:29 EDT 683 Capital reports 5.1% passive stake in ContraFect
PTI

Hot Stocks

16:28 EDT Proteostasis appoints Helen Boudreau as CFO - Proteostasis Therapeutics announced that it has appointed Helen M. Boudreau as the company's CFO and Treasurer, effective July 25. Ms. Boudreau is stepping down as a Director from the Proteostasis Board of Directors, a position she has held since February 2016, to accept the executive management role.
TMST

Hot Stocks

16:27 EDT TimkenSteel sees FY17 CapEx $40M - Startup of the advanced quench-and-temper facility expected in the fourth quarter.
TMST

Hot Stocks

16:27 EDT TimkenSteel sees Q3 EBITDA $10M-$20M ex-pension expenses - Q3 shipments are expected to be between 2%-5% higher than second-quarter 2017, primarily from industrial products and billets to tube makers. Expenses associated with labor agreement negotiations anticipated. Raw material spread is expected to be similar to second-quarter 2017; minimal sequential impact.
PTI

Hot Stocks

16:24 EDT Proteostasis announces progression CF study to longer duration studies - Proteostasis Therapeutics announced updates across the company's later stage development programs in CF, including PTI-428, a cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator, CFTR, amplifier, PTI-801, a new generation CFTR corrector, and PTI-808, a CFTR potentiator. Proteostasis announced that it has completed dosing of 19 patients as part of the ongoing Phase 1/2 study designed to evaluate the safety and pharmacokinetics of PTI-428, the company's CFTR amplifier. PTI-428 was administered together with background Orkambi or as the only CFTR modulator therapy in CF subjects over a 14-day period. The trial met its primary safety and pharmacokinetic endpoints, confirming PTI-428's safety, tolerability and lack of clinically meaningful drug-drug interaction with ivacaftor and lumacaftor. "Preliminary data suggests that PTI-428 continues to demonstrate a favorable safety and pharmacokinetic profile, which has enabled the initiation of Phase 2, enrolling CF subjects on background Orkambi taking PTI-428 or placebo for 28 days," said Meenu Chhabra, President and CEO of Proteostasis Therapeutics. "We continue to make meaningful progress with all three components of our proprietary triple combination: with the support of US and EU patient advocacy groups for the PTI-801 protocol, we are eligible to begin screening and enrolling CF subjects on background Orkambi and 40 clinical sites in the US, Canada and EU have been identified or are in process of activation; enrollment continues in our 28-day study of PTI-428 across 14 active clinical sites in the US, with activation of another 23 sites in both the US and EU in process; and we have initiated a Phase 1 study of PTI-808 in healthy volunteers." In the Phase 1 portion of the PTI-428 study, 11 subjects in the Orkambi cohort and eight in the PTI-428 monotherapy cohort were enrolled, with each group enrolling 2 placebo subjects. All adverse events (were mild or moderate and none occurred in more than one subject. There were no hematology-related adverse events and no serious adverse events reported. Safety endpoints evaluated included lung function as measured by forced expiratory volume in one second, although the study was not designed to show a statistically significant difference. In the subjects who received PTI-428 in addition to their background Orkambi, there was no significant improvement of FEV1 compared to placebo, although there was a numerical increase in FEV1 at day 7. Measurements of sweat chloride and mRNA in nasal mucosa were used as exploratory biomarkers but the changes were not significant nor correlated with lung function changes. Ms. Chhabra added, "While confirming the safety of PTI-428, the phase 1 portion of this study was not expected to demonstrate efficacy over a 7-day dosing period, as PTI-428, as a CFTR amplifier, is designed to deliver substrate to correctors and was investigated in combination with Orkambi, whose signal of efficacy required a 28-day study. As a result, we look forward to generating data in our 28-day proof-of-concept study to begin understanding the activity profile of PTI-428." Proteostasis is enrolling patients in the Phase 2 safety and efficacy portion of the study, which explores PTI-428 dosed over a 28-day period, and preliminary data is expected in Q4 2017.
EBS

Hot Stocks

16:23 EDT Emergent awarded $23M for multi-drug auto-injector for nerve agent antidote - Emergent BioSolutions announced that it has been awarded approximately $23M to develop a novel multi-drug auto-injector for nerve agent antidote delivery. Emergent's device is being designed for intramuscular self- or buddy-administration of antidotes for use in military environments and for civilian emergencies.
TPVG

Hot Stocks

16:22 EDT TriplePoint Venture names Andrew Olson as CFO - TriplePoint Venture appointed Andrew J. Olson as CFO effective August 10. Olson also serves as CFO of TriplePoint Capital, TPVG's sponsor. Prior to joining TPVG and TriplePoint Capital, Olson served as vice president of finance and senior controller of a publicly traded BDC.
DPW

Hot Stocks

16:22 EDT Barry W. Blank reports 14.13% passive stake in Digital Power
ADMA

Hot Stocks

16:22 EDT ADMA Biologics issued immunotherapy patent - ADMA Biologics announced that the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office has issued to the company U.S. Patent No. 9,714,283, which encompasses methods of providing immunotherapy to patients using immune globulin compositions proprietary to ADMA. The term of this newly issued patent extends to January 2035.
AMAG

Hot Stocks

16:21 EDT Camber Capital reports 6.08% passive stake in AMAG Pharmaceuticals
FSBC

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16:21 EDT MFP Investors reports 6.2% passive stake in 1st State Bancorp Inc
HTA

Hot Stocks

16:20 EDT Healthcare Trust reports Q2 NOI up 23.3% to $96.4M - Q2 NOI compares with $78.2M for the three months ended June 30, 2016.
PBYI

Hot Stocks

16:20 EDT Puma Biotechnology's NERLYNX now commercially available by prescription in U.S. - Puma Biotechnology announced that NERLYNX tablets, formerly known as PB272, is now commercially available by prescription in the United States. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved NERLYNX on July 17, 2017 for the extended adjuvant treatment of adult patients with early stage HER2-overexpressed/amplified breast cancer, following adjuvant trastuzumab-based therapy.
WG

Hot Stocks

16:20 EDT Willbros Group announces multiple awards valued at $114M - Willbros Group announced its Oil & Gas segment has executed pipeline and facilities contracts valued at $30M and has also received a limited notice-to-proceed award which, upon finalization of the contract, has an estimated total value of $71M. In addition, its Utility T&D segment has finalized extensions of existing Master Service Agreements valued at approximately $13M. Approximately $20M of these awards were additions to Q2 backlog while the remaining $94M are anticipated to be Q3 backlog additions.
KAMN

Hot Stocks

16:19 EDT Kaman cuts FY17 distribution revenue view to $1.1B-$1.125B from $1.1B-$1.15B - "Moving to our outlook for 2017, we are revising our expectations for Distribution sales and operating margin, as well as our expectations for interest expense. We are modestly lowering our sales outlook at Distribution to $1,100 million to $1,125 million. However, due to the improvements we have made to our operating profit performance, we are raising our outlook for operating margin in the range of 5.0% to 5.3%. The mid-point of Distribution's operating profit outlook is essentially unchanged from our prior expectations," said CFO Robert Starr.
WWW

Hot Stocks

16:19 EDT Wolverine World Wide announces sale of Sebago brand to BasicNet - Wolverine World Wide announced it has sold its Sebago brand to BasicNet, S.p.A., an Italian corporation with a global footprint that has a portfolio of brands including Kappa, Robe di Kappa, K-way, Superga and more. Terms were not disclosed.
MRCY

Hot Stocks

16:19 EDT Mercury Systems receives $5M order - Mercury Systems announced it received a $5M order from a leading defense prime contractor for airborne tactical mission computers in a maritime patrol aircraft. This is a follow-on to previous orders for systems destined to different countries. The order was booked in the company's Q4.
AVD

Hot Stocks

16:17 EDT American Vanguard CEO says outlook for rest of 2017 'remains positive' - Eric Wintemute, Chairman and CEO of American Vanguard, stated, "Our outlook for the balance of 2017 remains positive, and the various acquisitions that we are pursuing will enable the Company to grow at an accelerated rate should they be consummated. The significant increase in U.S. cotton acreage should provide additional second half sales of our Bidrin foliar insecticide and Folex harvest defoliant. We expect modest international growth, our soil fumigant business should rebound this autumn, and in our non-crop business, we expect to see continued demand for our Dibrom mosquito adulticide. Furthermore, we are pleased to have already recorded sales from the three products that we acquired from Adama in early June and expect that these sales will continue over the balance of 2017...We look forward to giving further comment during our next earnings call."
RHT

Hot Stocks

16:15 EDT Red Hat acquires assets, technology of Permabit Technology - Red Hat announced that it has acquired the assets and technology of Permabit Technology Corporation, a provider of software for data deduplication, compression and thin provisioning. With the addition of Permabit's data deduplication and compression capabilities to the world's leading enterprise Linux platform, Red Hat Enterprise Linux, Red Hat will be able to better enable enterprise digital transformation through more efficient storage options. The transaction is expected to have no material impact to Red Hat's guidance for its second fiscal quarter ending Aug. 31, 2017, or fiscal year ending Feb. 28, 2018.
HLIT

Hot Stocks

16:15 EDT Harmonic reports cash and equivalents $52.9M at end of Q2 - Total cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments were $52.9M at the end of the Q2, down $2.4M from $55.3M at the end of the prior quarter.
AMKR

Hot Stocks

16:14 EDT Amkor Technology raises FY17 capital expenditures view to about $525M - Amkor Technology sees full year capital expenditures of around $525M, up $25M from its previous forecast.
LECO

Hot Stocks

16:14 EDT Lincoln Electric completes acquisition of Air Liquide Welding, sees accretion - Lincoln Electric Holdings announces that it has completed the previously announced transaction to acquire Air Liquide Welding, a subsidiary of Air Liquide. Under the terms of the agreement, the purchase price was EURO$115M, pproximately USD$134M, including the assumption of certain debt obligations. The company funded the transaction with available cash on hand.The acquisition is immediately accretive to Lincoln Electric earnings, excluding transaction costs, at approximately 3c of earnings per diluted common share, EPS, per quarter, or 12c annually, in the first year after the acquisition, and approximately 6c EPS per quarter, or 24c annually, in the second year of operation. "We are excited to welcome Air Liquide Welding into the Lincoln Electric family and complete a transaction that provides compelling value for customers, employees and shareholders," stated Christopher L. Mapes, Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer. "The transaction brings together two talented teams who share the same commitment to welding and cutting innovation and offers customers the industry's most comprehensive portfolio of solutions, technologies and application expertise." Mapes continued, "I am confident that as we integrate the organizations, we will benefit from enhanced technical capabilities, operational efficiencies and scale, which will further advance our '2020 Vision and Strategy' goals to improve profitability and returns."
MATX

Hot Stocks

16:13 EDT Matson sees FY17 maintenance capital expenditure payments of $50M - In the Q2 the Company made maintenance capital expenditure payments of $14.2M, vessel construction expenditures of $44.9M and dry-docking payments of $17.9M. For the FY17, the Company expects to make maintenance capital expenditure payments of approximately $50M, vessel construction expenditures of approximately $242M, and dry-docking payments of approximately $50M.
GRPN GRUB

Hot Stocks

16:12 EDT Groupon and GrubHub partner for food delivery services - Groupon (GRPN) and Grubhub (GRUB) announced a strategic partnership to bring food delivery to Groupon customers throughout the U.S. As part of the deal, Groupon and Grubhub have entered into a commercial agreement that will allow Groupon to provide users with the ability to order food delivery from Grubhub's 55,000 restaurant partners via the Groupon platform and is expected to enable people to redeem Groupon deals when they order Grubhub delivery via Groupon. In addition to the commercial agreement, Grubhub is acquiring certain assets in 27 company-owned OrderUp food delivery markets from Groupon. Grubhub will also power food ordering and delivery for the company's Groupon To Go markets. Terms of the agreements were not disclosed.
MATX

Hot Stocks

16:11 EDT Matson sees FY17 EBITDA to approximate the $288.6M achieved in FY16 - The Company expects interest expense for the FY17 to be approximately $25M. In the Q2, the Company's effective tax rate was 39.4%. For the FY17, the Company expects its effective tax rate to be approximately 39%.
AQMS

Hot Stocks

16:11 EDT Aqua Metals appoints Mark Weinswig CFO - Aqua Metals announced that Mark Weinswig has joined the executive team and will become CFO, effective August 10. As CFO, Weinswig will succeed Thomas Murphy, who is retiring from the position. Murphy will continue as a consultant to the company on a number of matters and to ensure a smooth transition.
MATX

Hot Stocks

16:10 EDT Matson sees FY17 Logistics operating income $20M - For the FY17, the Company expects Logistics operating income to be approximately $20M, up significantly from the 2016 level of $11.9M, primarily due to the inclusion of Span Alaska's freight forwarding business for a full year. In the Q3, the Company expects Logistics operating income to be approximately double the $3.5M achieved in the Q3 of FY16.
ROG

Hot Stocks

16:09 EDT Rogers Corporation sees FY17 CapEx $30M-$35M - Sees FY17 normalized effective tax rate 32%-33%.
MATX

Hot Stocks

16:08 EDT Matson sees Q3 Ocean Transportation operating income up from last year - For the Q3 the Company expects Ocean Transportation operating income to be moderately higher than the $42.7M achieved in the Q3 of FY16.
JBT

Hot Stocks

16:07 EDT John Bean Technologies acquires PLF International Limited for GBP28M - JBT announced it has purchased PLF International Limited, a provider of powder filling systems for the global food and beverage markets. The purchase price is GBP28M, before customary post-closing adjustments. Privately held PLF is headquartered in Harwich, England. The acquisition of PLF adds annual revenue of approximately $25M. Transaction costs and purchase price accounting associated with the acquisition are expected to more than offset earnings generated under JBT ownership in 2017, with a negative impact of approximately $0.03 per share. The company anticipates earnings accretion of $0.03 - $0.05 per share for 2018 and $0.06 - $0.08 per share for 2019.
TXRH

Hot Stocks

16:06 EDT Texas Roadhouse sees positive comparable restaurant sales growth for FY17
ENR POST

Hot Stocks

16:06 EDT Energizer names Robert Vitale to board of directors - Energizer Holdings (ENR) announced the appointment of Robert Vitale to its Board of Directors, effective August 1. Upon his appointment, Vitale will serve as a member of the board's Finance and Oversight Committee. Vitale is President and CEO of Post Holdings (POST). Rob joined Post in 2011 as its CFO.
TXRH

Hot Stocks

16:05 EDT Texas Roadhouse SSS up 3.6% at company restaurants, 3.8% at domestic franchises
TREX

Hot Stocks

16:03 EDT Trex Company acquires SC Company for $71.5M - Trex Company has closed the acquisition of SC Company. Based in Brooklyn Park, a Minneapolis suburb, SC Company is the market leader in the design, engineering and marketing of modular and architectural railing systems and solutions for the commercial and multifamily markets and is a provider of staging, acoustical and seating systems for commercial markets, including sports stadiums and performing arts venues. SC Company is projected to have annual revenues of approximately $56M in 2017, and addresses a market estimated at over $1B. Trex will finance the $71.5M purchase price through cash on hand and its revolving credit line.
AES

Hot Stocks

16:02 EDT Firt tree completes sale of FTP Powere to joint venutre co-controlled by AES - Fir Tree Partners announced that it has completed the sale of FTP Power, the largest independent owner, operator and developer of utility-scale solar assets in the United States, to a joint venture co-controlled by The AES and Alberta Investment Management Corporation, or AIMCo, on behalf of certain of its clients, for approximately $1.6B in cash and assumed non-recourse debt.
SEAS

Hot Stocks

15:57 EDT SeaWorld at highs after report of hiring Evercore as advisor - Shares of SeaWorld (SEAS) are up 5% in late day trading after Dealreporter said that the amusement park operator has added Evercore as a second financial advisor, joining incumbent JPMorgan. Evercore is "going to bring a fresh perspective" on how to deal with the dual issues of weakening operational performance and a "highly engaged" activist shareholder, the report said, according to contacts.
XTLY

Hot Stocks

15:57 EDT Xactly trading resumes
KTOV

Hot Stocks

15:21 EDT Kitov Pharmaceuticals submits NDA to FDA for KIT-302 - Kitov Pharmaceuticals announced that it has submitted a New Drug Application to the U.S. FDA for KIT-302, its lead drug candidate. KIT-302 is a patented combination of celecoxib and amlodipine, and is intended to treat osteoarthritis pain and hypertension simultaneously. The company expects that within 60 days the FDA will determine whether the NDA is complete and acceptable for filing.
CCJ...

Hot Stocks

15:11 EDT Uranium maker Cameco falls after Scana cancels nuclear plans - Shares of uranium maker Cameco (CCJ) are falling after Scana's (SCG) principal subsidiary, South Carolina Electric & Gas Company, SCE&G, announced earlier that it's not moving ahead with its long delayed construction of a pair of new nuclear units at the V.C. Summer Nuclear Station in Jenkinsville, SC. SCE&G pointed out the additional costs and uncertainty of tax credits as reasons for abandoning the projects. URANIUM PRODUCER: Cameco describes itself as "one of one of the world's largest uranium producers providing about 17% of the world's production from mines in Canada, the US and Kazakhstan." Uranium, one of the heaviest metals, is essential in powering nuclear reactors that produce electricity. URANIUM DEMAND IN QUESTION: In mid-July, Credit Suisse analyst Robert Reynolds downgraded Cameco to Underperform from Neutral as his cataloguing of nuclear power plants drove his forecast for uranium demand below current industry expectations. The analyst reduced his longer-term price for uranium to $40/lb based on the 90th percentile of the cost curve, from a prior forecast for $60/lb based on an incentive price. Reynolds also lowered his price target on Cameco shares to C$10 from C$13.50. PRICE ACTION: Shares of Cameco are down 2.4% to $10.31 in afternoon trading. OTHERS COMPANIES LEVERED TO NUCLEAR REACTOR SPACE: Uranium Resources (URRE) and BWX Technologies (BWXT).
SITO

Hot Stocks

15:08 EDT TAR Holdings calls on four members of SITO Mobile board to resign - TAR Holdings and TAR SITO LendCo, SITO Mobile's largest stockholder owning approximately 10% of the company and senior secured lender respectively, has called on four members of the board and management to resign, stating in part: "If the allegations made in the July 27 letter are true --that a four-member faction of the Board has emerged, and is now excluding two other directors from the company's decision-making process by failing to give them proper notice of proposals and consider their input at Board meetings-- TAR believes that this four-member faction, and the counsel advising them, are in serious breach of their legal and ethical obligations to SITO Mobile, its stockholders and fellow directors." TAR added that the four-member faction, including directors Brent Rosenthal, Michael Durden, Itzhak Fisher and CEO Thomas Pallack, are "acting against the interests of stockholders."
IMH

Hot Stocks

14:30 EDT Talkot Capital reports 7.82% stake in IMPAC Mortgage
KEYS XXIA

Hot Stocks

13:22 EDT Centripetal Networks files patent complaint against Keysight, Ixia - Centripetal Networks announced that it has filed a complaint against Keysight Technologies (KEYS) and Ixia (XXIA) in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia, Alexandria Division. The complaint asserts that Keysight and Ixia's ThreatARMOR, Vision ONE, and Application and Threat Intelligence products and services are infringing at-least four key patents owned by Centripetal Networks. These patents generally relate to protecting networks by quickly identifying new network security threats, identifying compromised hosts, and dynamically managing massively scaled network security policies. Centripetal Networks seeks both damages and injunctive relief to stop Keysight and Ixia's continued infringement. Centripetal Networks further noted that it is continuing to investigate Keysight and Ixia's products and services and will file further claims if additional infringement is discovered.
SCG

Hot Stocks

13:13 EDT SCANA trading resumes
ICUI

Hot Stocks

13:06 EDT ICU Medical recalls one lot of 0.9% Sodium Chloride Injection - The FDA announced on its website that ICU Medical is voluntarily recalling one lot of 0.9% Sodium Chloride Injection to the hospital/user level due to a confirmed customer complaint of particulate matter identified as stainless steel within a single flexible container.
SCG...

Hot Stocks

13:02 EDT SCE&G to stop construction of two new nuclear units, to file plan of abandonment - South Carolina Electric & Gas Company, principal subsidiary of SCANA Corporation (SCG), anounced that it will cease construction of the two new nuclear units at the V.C. Summer Nuclear Station in Jenkinsville, SC and will promptly file a petition with the Public Service Commission of South Carolina seeking approval of its abandonment plan. This decision was reached by SCE&G after considering the additional costs to complete the Units, the uncertainty regarding the availability of production tax credits for the project, the amount of anticipated guaranty settlement payments from Toshiba Corporation (TOSBF), and other matters associated with continuing construction, including the decision of the co-owner of the project, the South Carolina Public Service Authority, the state owned electric utility, to suspend construction of the project. Based on these factors, SCE&G concluded that it would not be in the best interest of its customers and other stakeholders to continue construction of the project.
APEN

Hot Stocks

12:58 EDT Wellington Trust Company reports 5.36% passive stake in Apollo Endosurgery
SCG

Hot Stocks

12:57 EDT SCANA trading halted, news pending
FCCY

Hot Stocks

12:35 EDT John Costas lowers stake in 1st Constitution Bancorp to 3.92%
MO PM

Hot Stocks

12:32 EDT Battleground: Analysts diverge on Altria takeover odds - Noting that the Food and Drug Administration's tobacco announcement was "very much in line" with industry expectations, RBC Capital analyst Nik Modi upgraded Altria Group (MO) to Sector Perform but pointed out he is not "buying the dip" given valuation and his belief that the company is not a takeout candidate in the near-term. Meanwhile, his peer at Wells Fargo argued that he still thinks the company is likely to be acquired. On Friday, the FDA had announced a comprehensive regulatory plan, under which it will pursue lowering nicotine in cigarettes to non-addictive levels. ON THE SIDELINES: In a research note to investors this morning, RBC Capital's Modi upgraded Altria Group to Sector Perform from Underperform, with a $62 price target. While the analyst believes the FDA announcement was a "shock to investors" based on how the tobacco stocks reacted, he suspects the news was "very much in line" with industry expectations. However, Modi noted that he is breaking with his long-held view to "buy the dips" not because of the announcement, but because he believes Altria is not a takeover candidate in the near-term, valuation is fair, and fundamentals are under pressure. Additionally, Modi said he is not going to make a leap of faith on the launch of iQOS in the U.S. market as there is limited visibility on a variety of factors. Nonetheless, the analyst said he thinks tobacco stocks can perform despite major overhangs. STILL SEES TAKEOVER: In a research note of her own, Wells Fargo analyst Bonnie Herzog told investors that she ultimately believes the FDA announcement could prove to be a positive for Altria. She argued that its terminal value is now higher as it benefits from consumption shifting to RRPs/iQOS, and the probability that Philipp Morris (PM) acquires the company remains high and timing could be soon given the multiple spread between the two is the widest it has been in over six years. Further, Herzog believes the FDA announcement may increase the value of Altria to "close to $90 per share" from $80 per share previously. While tobacco stocks could experience an "overhang in the near-term," the news "could be positive" for the sector over the longer term, as the analyst thinks the large tobacco companies will ultimately benefit from the change in consumption trends. The analyst reiterated an Outperform rating on Altria's shares, and encouraged long-term investors to buy the dip in since she thinks the selloff in the stock is overdone. PRICE ACTION: After falling 9.5% on Friday, shares of Altria have dropped another 3% to $65.12 in early afternoon trading today.
HTZ

Hot Stocks

12:23 EDT Hertz plummets after canceling debt buyback, analyst sees 'sharp miss' - Shares of car rental company Hertz (HTZ) are plunging after the company retracted an earlier conditional notice of redemption for part of its debt. An analyst downgrade and a cautionary note from CreditSights are also weighing on shares. REDEMPTION RESCINDED: In a regulatory filing out late Friday night, Hertz disclosed that it notifies its trustee that it will not be able to move forward with its prior notice to redeem $450M of outstanding notes. the redemption was supposed to happen on July 29, but the filing ended any hopes of that. The beleaguered car rental company said in its most recent filing that "that all of the conditions precedent to the consummation of the redemption of the 2019 Notes set forth in the Conditional Redemption Notice have not been, and will not be, satisfied by July 29, 2017, and thus the Conditional Redemption Notice has been rescinded and is of no further force and effect for any purpose." ANALYST SEES EARNINGS MISS: In a note out Monday morning, Barclay's analyst Brian Johnson downgraded Hertz Global Holdings to Underweight with an unchanged price target of $9. Fundamentals may have bottomed, but the stock is ignoring the challenges ahead in the company's earnings recovery following the nearly 100% rally since June 21, Johnson told investors in the research note. He expects a "sharp miss" relative to expectations when Hertz reports Q2 results. Adding to the decline was a note out over the weekend by CreditSights, saying, "HTZ seems determined to keep investors on razor edge with its latest headline rescinding the redemption of the 2019s. The 'conditions precedent ' could be tied to numerous factors, and the lack of transparency hurts -- yet again." PRICE ACTION: Shares of Hertz are near a session low of $14.50 per, down almost 16% in early afternoon trading
BG

Hot Stocks

12:16 EDT Bunge announces FDA approval of petition to claim soybean oil as heart healthy - Bunge North America, the North American arm of Bunge, announced that the FDA approved its petition for a qualified health claim linking consumption of soybean oil to reduced risk of coronary heart disease. Bunge independently filed a petition with the FDA that included a summary of human clinical studies from top nutrition researchers demonstrating the heart health potential of soybean oil-America's most commonly used ingredient and top dietary source of omega-3 fats. Upon review, the FDA will allow companies to communicate that soybean oil may reduce coronary heart disease risk and lower LDL-cholesterol when replacing saturated fat and not increasing calories.
DOW

Hot Stocks

12:02 EDT Dow Chemical to begin construction of new $100M Innovation Center - Andrew Liveris, chairman and CEO of The Dow Chemical Company, announced that the company will begin construction of a new, $100M Innovation Center designed to drive innovation at the intersections of silicone science and organic chemistry at the heritage Dow Corning corporate campus. The new facility will host approximately 200 research and development employees who will explore future technologies at the intersections of silicone chemistry and materials science and organic chemistry. The new innovation center will be a key enabler in Dow achieving its initial $100M growth synergy target, as well as more than $500M of additional Dow-enabled bottom-line growth the Company now expects to achieve across the enterprise from integrating silicones into the Dow portfolio. This bottom-line growth, coupled with Dow's latest cost synergy target of more than $650M, greatly enhance silicones' profitability. Dow now expects EBITDA to increase to more than $2B by the end of 2019 - more than double its initial projection.
HTA

Hot Stocks

11:48 EDT Healthcare Trust increases quarterly dividend to 30.5c per share - Healthcare Trust of America announced that its board of directors has increased the quarterly dividend by 1.67% to 30.5c per common share. This represents an annualized rate of $1.22 per common share with an annualized yield of 4.02% based on HTA's closing share price as of July 28. The dividend will be paid on October 6 to stockholders of record on October 2.
L

Hot Stocks

11:36 EDT Loews CEO Tisch says buying CCC hasn't hindered ability to buy back shares - Says CCC "ready, willing and able" to do bolt on acquisitions, waiting for right deal at right price.
L

Hot Stocks

11:33 EDT Loews CEO Tisch: Repurchases at any price 'not the way we roll'
CAR...

Hot Stocks

11:33 EDT Avis announces Google Home integration with AI capabilities - Avis Car Rental (AVIS) announced that it is leveraging AI to enhance customers' journeys by being the first rental car company to launch a Google Assistant (GOOG, GOOGL) action for Google Home, available next month. Designed to help save time through more immediate access to the booking and reservation process, Avis' new Google Assistant action for the Google Home device will provide travelers with instant, voice-controlled access to the car rental booking process. Through a secure integration with Avis, travelers can use Google Home to make or modify current reservations and review past trips.
UPS

Hot Stocks

11:30 EDT UPS expands alcohol shipping to consumers around the world - UPS is expanding its ability to ship alcohol, wine and beer to consumers around the world. Using one of the UPS Express shipping services, wine connoisseurs can have their favourite cases of wine shipped directly from the vineyards to their home. UPS is helping wineries reach consumers living in 24 of the top 35 wine importing countries, and distilleries in nine of the top 25 spirit importing countries. Depending on the destination, orders can arrive at the business or consumer's home within three days. All alcohol shipments require an adult signature upon delivery. UPS will now ship wine, beer and liquor to consumers and businesses in 11 countries throughout Asia Pacific including: China, Hong Kong, Japan, Macau, New Zealand, Philippines, Singapore, South Korea, Taiwan and Thailand. In Malaysia, only businesses can import wine and beer. UPS is shipping wine to Mexico, Argentina and the Dominican Republic.
MANT

Hot Stocks

11:29 EDT ManTech selected as prime contractor for U.S. Army RS3 program - ManTech International Corporation announced that the company has been named a prime contractor for the U.S. Army's Responsive Strategic Sourcing for Services, or RS3, program. Under the 10-year contract, ManTech will provide a range of C4ISR services for the U.S. Army: engineering; research, development, test, and evaluation; logistics; acquisition and strategic planning acquisition and strategic planning; and education and training.
TDW

Hot Stocks

11:26 EDT Tidewater trading resumes
L

Hot Stocks

11:23 EDT Loews says waiting for more advantageous time to repurchase shares - Says balance sheet "extremely strong and liquid." Says waiting for a more advantageous time to repurchase shares. Says Consolidated Container Company performing "exactly the way we had expected it to."
TDW

Hot Stocks

11:12 EDT Tidewater says emerges from Chapter 11 bankruptcy - Tidewater said that effective today, the company and its affiliated chapter 11 debtors have emerged from bankruptcy after successfully completing its reorganization pursuant to the Second Amended Joint Prepackaged Chapter 11 Plan of Reorganization of Tidewater and its Affiliated Debtors, that was confirmed on July 17, 2017 by the United States Bankruptcy Court for the District of Delaware. Through its Plan, Tidewater eliminated approximately $1.6B in principal of outstanding debt, and considering the rejection of certain sale-leaseback agreements, Tidewater estimates that interest and operating lease expenses will be reduced by approximately $73M annually. The Company believes that its substantially deleveraged balance sheet positions it for long-term success for the benefit of all of its stakeholders. The company was principally advised by Lazard, Weil Gotschal & Manges LLP and Jones Walker LLP. Pursuant to the Plan, following today, the Company will explore listing the New Creditor Warrants on an exchange, subject to approval by its board of directors and applicable listing requirements.
L...

Hot Stocks

11:10 EDT Loews: Short- to -medium term outlook for offshore drilling market 'bleak' - Loews (L) CEO Jim Tisch says company believes having a diversified portfolio offers the best way to deliver superior returns, but notes that operating in diverse industries means units can face vastly different market environments. Says offshore drilling in protracted downcycle. Says still ample runway for value creation at CNA (CNA), says company working to address expense ratio. Says Diamond Offshore (DO) operating in an industry that continues to face one of the sharpest downturns in its history. Says short- to medium-term outlook for offshore drilling market "bleak," unclear when it will recover. Comments taken from the Q2 earnings conference call. Loews is up about 1% in morning trading, CNA Financial is up 4.6% and Diamond Offshore is fractionally higher.
CLVS...

Hot Stocks

11:10 EDT Clovis slides as partnership seen raising doubt on takeover chances - Shares of Clovis (CLVS) are slipping after the company announced that it has entered into a clinical collaboration agreement to evaluate a combination of Bristol-Myers' (BMY) drug Opdivo and Clovis' drug Rubraca in cancer clinical trials. While Leerink analyst Michael Schmidt believes the deal does not preclude a future acquisition of Clovis, his peer at Janney Capital argued that this partnership "undercuts" the M&A thesis. PARTNERSHIP: Bristol-Myers Squibb and Clovis Oncology announced that they have entered into a clinical collaboration agreement to evaluate the combination of the former's immunotherapy Opdivo and the latter's "PARP, inhibitor" Rubraca in pivotal phase 3 clinical trials. In advanced ovarian cancer, the collaboration will include a first-line maintenance treatment study to evaluate Rubraca + Opdivo, Rubraca, Opdivo and placebo in newly diagnosed patients with stage III/IV high-grade ovarian, fallopian tube, or primary peritoneal cancer who have completed platinum-based chemotherapy, while in advanced triple-negative breast cancers it will include a first-line maintenance treatment study to evaluate Rubraca + Opdivo, Rubraca, Opdivo and chemotherapy in patients with stage IV or recurrent locally advanced inoperable TNBC associated with a homologous recombination deficiency. The partnership will also include a Phase 2 study to evaluate the safety and efficacy of Opdivo in combination with Rubraca in patients with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer. WEAKNESS UNWARRANTED: Following the announcement, Leerink analyst Michael Schmidt told investors in a research note that he believes today's weakness in Clovis is "unwarranted" and presents a buying opportunity. The analyst sees the deal as positive, providing Clovis with access to one of the leading approved PD1 inhibitors and access to Bristol-Myers' clinical development infrastructure, while only incurring about 50% of the development cost. While Schmidt acknowledged that some investors may have hoped for an outright acquisition of Clovis by Bristol-Myers in the near-term, he argued that this deal does not preclude a future acquisition of the company and increases the competitiveness and value of Rubraca. The analyst reiterated an Outperform rating on Clovis' shares. PARTNERSHIP UNDERCUTS M&A THESIS: Also commenting on the news, Janney Capital analyst Debjit Chattopadhyay told investors that Clovis' clinical partnership with Bristol-Myers undercuts his takeout thesis. Citing other PARP inhibitor deals between AstraZeneca (AZN)/Merck (MRK) and Tesaro (TSRO)/Takeda (TKPYY), the analyst argued that these recent agreements across the PARP space implies no near-term takeovers, which will likely be "disappointing to many." Chattopadhyay reiterated a Buy rating and a $107 price target on Clovis' shares, while noting that unlike peer transactions, there was no monetary component to the Bristol-Myers clinical partnership and Clovis retains full rights to Rubraca. PRICE ACTION: In morning trading, shares of Clovis have dropped almost 10% to $88.30, while Bristol-Myers has gained over 3% to $57.10 per share.
TDW

Hot Stocks

11:06 EDT Tidewater trading halted, news pending
NK

Hot Stocks

11:04 EDT NantKwest announces durable complete responses in Phase I aNK cell trial - NantKwest announced the final results of a phase I clinical trial of the company's aNK cell therapy platform in relapsed hematological malignancies. The data, published in the journal Oncotarget, demonstrated continuing evidence of safety and efficacy, with an overall response rate of 42% and no evidence of grade 3 or 4 adverse events from the infusions. Of note 2 out of the 12 patients in the safety study with relapsed Hodgkin's Lymphoma and Multiple Myeloma, demonstrated durable complete response with single agent aNK therapy, and remain free of disease to date, 10 years and 2 years respectively. Chairman and CEO Patrick Soon-Shiong said, "Consistent with previous studies, Dr. Keating's clinical trial results, reporting a 42% overall response rate, provide additional clinical validation of the unique potential to deliver long-term remissions with limited toxicity using the company's novel NK cell therapy. Our aNK cell therapy is currently in an ongoing Phase II clinical study in Merkel cell carcinoma and represent a critical, foundational component in the company's recently launched NANT Cancer Vaccine clinical trial program."
HAS NFLX

Hot Stocks

11:02 EDT Hasbro, Netflix announce 'Stretch Armstrong' original series - Hasbro (HAS) announced Stretch Armstrong and the Flex Fighters, a new original series from Hasbro Studios premiering on Netflix (NFLX). The new teenage superhero animated series will "reimagine the classic Hasbro brand Stretch Armstrong into a relatable kids adventure that features diverse characters with wacky powers and a playfully humorous storyline."
MAS

Hot Stocks

11:01 EDT Masco relocates global headquarters to Livonia, Michigan - Masco announced opening of its newly-constructed corporate headquarters in Livonia, Mich. Approximately 220 employees recently moved to the 91,220-square-foot facility situated on a 12-acre site between Six and Seven Mile Roads, adjacent to Schoolcraft College. Masco moved to Livonia from a 400,000+ square-foot building in Taylor, where the company spent nearly 50 years.
ICCC

Hot Stocks

10:57 EDT Norman Pessin reports 9.51% stake in Immucell - Norman Pessin originally purchased the shares based on the belief that the shares, when purchased, were undervalued and represented an attractive investment opportunity. Norman Pessin intends to review their investment in the Issuer on a continuing Norman Pessin may in the future take such actions with respect to their investment in Immucell as they deem appropriate including, without limitation, communications with management and the board of Immucell, engaging in discussions with third parties about the Issuer, making proposals to the Issuer concerning changes to the capitalization or operations of Immucell, purchasing additional shares, selling some or all of their shares, engaging in short selling of or any hedging or similar transaction with respect to the shares.
AIR...

Hot Stocks

10:43 EDT AAR Corp. announces component support agreement with Hawaiian Airlines - AAR (AIR) announced that it has secured its first Airbus (EADSY) NEO fleet customer by signing a long-term component support agreement with Hawaiian Airlines, a subsidiary of Hawaiian Holdings (HA). AAR will be providing component support for the airline's new fleet of 18 A321neo's via AAR's inventory hub in Chicago, as well as stock positioned in Hawaii and other strategic operating hubs.
FB...

Hot Stocks

10:19 EDT Analyst says sell Facebook with Google ruling a worrying precedent - Pivotal Research analyst Brian Wieser downgraded Facebook (FB) to Sell as he thinks the market is looking at upside potential without appropriately considering risks to growth. The analyst also fears that the recent European Commission ruling on Google (GOOG; GOOGL) Shopping and its approach to dominant companies in general will pose a "greater risk" as Facebook becomes larger. SELL FACEBOOK: In a research note to investors, Pivotal Research's Wieser downgraded Facebook to Sell from Hold, with a $140 price target. The analyst pointed out that over the course of this year, the stock has risen "dramatically," while his outlook on the stock has not given a "decent" second quarter and an outlook that appears consistent with expectations. Risks have become more pronounced, Wieser noted, but investors are not fully accounting those risks. The analyst argued that viewability remains a concern for Facebook as he thinks few advertisers are aware of low levels of viewability are on the platform. Further, with every passing year, digital advertising is closer to a point where the market is saturated, he contended. While a premium video investment strategy could help improve growth, the analyst believes it will do so with "significantly lower margins" than existing advertising products, and it will likely take significant time and investment for these efforts to become material, if they ever do. Nonetheless, Wieser continues to expect Facebook will execute well, grow its business, expand its share of wallet from most advertisers on core Facebook, Instagram and Facebook Audience Network. He also sees great long-term value in Messenger and WhatsApp, although those platforms will not likely be monetized aggressively in the near-term. REGULATORY ISSUES: Since the beginning of the year, Pivotal Research's Wieser has seen greater uncertainty around macroeconomic and public policy issues in the U.S. and many countries around the world. Additionally, he told investors that while Facebook itself has not been impacted directly from any regulatory issues, the recent European Commission ruling on Google Shopping and its approach to dominant companies in general poses a "greater risk" as Facebook becomes larger. On June 27, the European Commission announced its decision that certain actions taken by Google regarding its display and ranking of shopping search results and ads infringed European competition law, and imposed a $2.74B fine, which the company accrued in the second quarter of 2017. Additionally, the analyst pointed out that European Commission's consumer privacy policy rules, set for implementation in May of next year, could have negative implications for both Google and Facebook due to the limitations the policy will impose on how the two companies secure rights to consumer data and subsequently use that data for ad targeting. PRICE ACTION: In morning trading, shares of Facebook have dropped over 1% to $170.15.
WILN

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10:14 EDT Wi-LAN subsidiary enters into license agreement with Getac - Wi-LAN announced that the company's subsidiary, Anton Innovations, has entered into a patent license agreement with Getac. The license covers multi-modal Wi-Fi technology. Getac is a manufacturer of rugged computer, and plastic and lightweight metal components. The consideration paid to WiLAN and all other terms of the license agreement are confidential.
APD

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10:02 EDT Air Products wins contract for Coral South floating LNG project - Air Products announced an agreement with TP JGC Coral France for the supply of its proprietary cryogenic coil wound heat exchanger technology and the liquefaction process license for a floating liquefied natural gas facility to be located in the Indian Ocean, offshore Mozambique, Africa. The FLNG facility being built by TP JGC Coral France, an incorporated joint venture formed by TechnipFMC and JGC Corporation, along with Samsung Heavy Industries, will utilize Air Products' dual mixed refrigerant process. The liquefaction capacity will be 3.4 million tons per annum. The FLNG plant will be moored and operate on the surface above 6,500 feet of water in the Indian Ocean, in a natural gas field known as Area 4 of the Coral Field.
CMTL

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10:01 EDT Comtech awarded $2.1M contract modification from U.S. Army - Comtech announced that, during its fourth quarter of fiscal 2017, its Maryland-based Command & Control Technologies group, which is part of Comtech's Government Solutions segment, has received a contract modification valued at $2.1M from the U. S. Army Project Manager Warfighter Information Network- Tactical. The modification increases the total amount funded on this delivery order from $22.1M to $24.2M. The funding will provide enhanced communications infrastructure for U.S. forces in the Central Command Area of Responsibility.
SGYP ESRX

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09:48 EDT Synergy slides after Trulance excluded from Express Scripts formulary - As previously reported, Express Scripts (ESRX) released its 2018 National Preferred Formulary and noted that for the 2018 benefit year, it will introduce 64 new drug exclusions to the NPF. Among the drug's being excluded is Synergy Pharmaceuticals' (SGYP) Trulance, with Express Scripts noting Amitiza and Linzess as its preferred alternatives. In early trading, Synergy shares are down 18c, or 4.4%, to $3.88. Reference Link
ZSAN

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09:36 EDT Zosano Pharma announces publication of 'positive' Phase 1 data of Zolmitriptan - Zosano Pharma announced that Future Medicine's Pain Management Journal had published the company's positive results from a Phase 1, single center, open label, ascending-dose trial demonstrating the rapid and reproducible delivery of M207, the formulation of zolmitriptan using ADAM technology. The pharmacokinetics of zolmitriptan delivery using this technology was evaluated in 20 healthy volunteers in a phase 1 trial and median Tmax of M207 was shown to be similar to subcutaneous sumatriptan. Relative to oral zolmitriptan, absorption was substantially faster, with higher exposure in the first 2 hours when using M207. Most adverse events were consistent with those seen in previous triptan trials and no serious adverse events were observed. Application site reactions evaluated 30 minutes after application were generally mild and resolved within 24 hours. This study also demonstrated the feasibility of loading up to 3.8mg of zolmitriptan on the single array while maintaining the pharmacokinetic advantage described.
UEPS

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09:32 EDT Net 1 UEPS terminates consulting agreement with former CEO Serge Belamant - Net 1 UEPS Technologies announced that its board has issued its former CEO, Serge Belamant, a 90-day written notice to terminate his two-year consulting agreement with the company. Belamant retired as CEO of Net1 on May 31, 2017. The company will not be making any termination payments to Belamant beyond the 90-day notice period. "We have managed a smooth transition and thus believe there is limited value to continuing with such agreement for a lengthy period of time," said Mr. Christopher Seabrooke, Chairman of Net1. "We discussed our decision with Mr. Belamant, who concurred with our conclusion. Our parting is cordial and we wish him success in his future endeavors after the remaining period of the consulting agreement with us," he concluded.
GNBT MRK

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09:31 EDT Generex reports collaboration with Merck to evaluate Keytruda, AE37 combination - Generex Biotechnology (GNBT) announced that its wholly-owned subsidiary, Antigen Express, has entered into a clinical trial collaboration agreement with Merck (MRK), through a wholly-owned subsidiary, to evaluate Antigen's AE37 cancer vaccine in combination with Merck's anti-PD-1 therapy, KEYTRUDA, in patients with metastatic triple-negative breast cancer. The study will evaluate preliminary safety and efficacy of the combination in a Phase II trial. The combination of AE37 plus KEYTRUDA follows previous studies, in which both therapies have individually shown encouraging results in patients with triple-negative breast cancer. In a controlled, randomized trial of AE37 in 300 breast cancer patients, the most encouraging results were observed in those with triple-negative breast cancer. Similarly, KEYTRUDA has shown encouraging activity in patients with metastatic triple-negative breast cancer. The attractiveness of the combination lies in the different mechanisms of action of the two immunotherapeutic drugs: AE37 specifically activates T cells to attack cancer cells while KEYTRUDA increases the ability of the body's immune system to help detect and fight tumor cells. The collaboration agreement is between Antigen Express and Merck. Under the terms of the agreement, the trial will be sponsored by Antigen Express. Additional details were not disclosed.
EQT RICE

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09:31 EDT Jana to continue opposing EQT's proposed acquisition of Rice Energy - Jana Partners disclosed a letter sent today to EQT Corporation, which stated in part, "As we stated after EQT's proposed acquisition of Rice Energy was announced, we believe that this acquisition if approved would result in EQT paying away more than the value of the transaction synergies claimed at the time of the announcement to Rice shareholders and issuing shares which EQT management itself acknowledges are undervalued, thus substantially diluting the value of an eventual separation to current EQT shareholders by transferring much of their upside potential to Rice shareholders. Rather than explaining to EQT shareholders why they should support this transaction despite the massive value transfer to Rice shareholders it would entail, EQT management last week instead conjured up dubious additional synergies worth up to three times the amount of the Original Synergies, or as management conceded, potentially worth nothing at all. At the same time, upon further analysis with our industry partners, we are even more concerned that even the Original Synergies have been vastly overstated and in many cases hardly qualify as synergies because their value could be captured simply by owning shares of EQT and Rice separately without causing massive dilution to EQT shareholders. In short, management's transparent attempt to manufacture new synergies (without being held accountable for delivering a penny of them), together with our increasing doubts about the Original Synergies, have only solidified our opposition to EQT's plans in their current form...Therefore, we intend to continue to oppose this transaction. We also continue to believe that it may be necessary to add new Board members who will do a better job of safeguarding shareholder interests, and thus we are prepared if necessary to nominate highly-qualified and independent nominees who have each made substantial personal investments in EQT's stock. Should you wish to discuss this matter further, we can be reached at (212) 455-0900."
VRX...

Hot Stocks

09:28 EDT Express Scripts notes 64 new drug exclusions in 2018 Preferred Formulary - Express Scripts (ESRX) released its 2018 National Preferred Formulary and noted that for the 2018 benefit year, it will introduce 64 new drug exclusions to the NPF. Combined with prior year exclusions, a total of 159 out of 3,791 available drugs will be excluded, Express Scripts said. New exclusions include Amgen's (AMGN) Neupogen, Eli Lilly's (LLY) Forteo and Valeant's (VRX) Wellbutrin SR. Reference Link
PRGO

Hot Stocks

09:23 EDT Perrigo and Aveva announce launch of scopolamine patch - Perrigo and its co-development partner Aveva Drug Delivery Systems an Apotex Company announced the prescription pharmaceutical launch of scopolamine 1.5 mg transdermal system patch, the AB rated generic equivalent to Transderm Scop. Transderm Scop transdermal system patch is an anticholinergic indicated for the prevention of nausea and vomiting associated with motion sickness and recovery from anesthesia after surgery in adults.
MSG

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09:22 EDT Madison Square Garden acquires controlling stake in Counter Logic Gaming - Madison Square Garden and Counter Logic Gaming, or CLG, announced that MSG has acquired a controlling interest in CLG, a premier North American esports organization with leading teams and a passionate worldwide fan base. With this partnership, MSG significantly expands its presence in the fast-growing world of esports with one of the most successful organizations in the industry, and CLG gains access to MSG's unmatched expertise in sports business, including marketing partnerships, media rights, event operations, ticketing, merchandise and fan engagement.
OR

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09:20 EDT Osisko Gold Royalties shareholders approved Orion acquisition - Osisko Gold Royalties announced that its shareholders have overwhelmingly approved at 99.6% the issuance of shares required to complete the acquisition of the Orion portfolio consisting of 74 royalties, streams, and precious metal offtakes at the Special Meeting of Shareholders held today in Montreal. Approximately 76.8% of the shares outstanding at the record date of June 19 were represented in person or by proxy at the meeting. The resolution approved by disinterested shareholders authorizes the Corporation to issue a total of 50,179,414 shares, including 30,906,594 shares to Orion Mine Finance as part of the consideration for the acquisition, and 19,272,820 shares as part of private placement to the Caisse de depot et placement du Quebec and the Fonds de solidarite FTQ at a price of $14.56 to partially fund the cash consideration of the acquisition.
UNF

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09:20 EDT UniFirst appointes Steven Sintros as CEO - UniFirst announced that its board has named Steven Sintros as the company's next president and CEO, and also appointed him to its board, both effective immediately. He succeeds Ronald Croatti, who passed away unexpectedly in May after serving 26 years as UniFirst's chief executive and over 50 years with the company. Sintros joined UniFirst in 2004, serving as the company's finance manager and corporate controller before being promoted to his most recent role as CFO in 2009.
DO...

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09:18 EDT On The Fly: Pre-market Movers - UP AFTER EARNINGS: Diamond Offshore (DO), up 2.9%... Sohu.com (SOHU), up 8.6%... Sanofi (SNY), up 1.1%... Alliance Resource Partners (ARLP), up 2.2%... New Residential Investment (NRZ), up 5.4%... HSBC (HSBC), up 1.9%. ALSO HIGHER: Altaba (AABA), up 1.4% after announcing a $5B share repurchase program... GoPro (GPRO), up 2.5% after being upgraded to Equal Weight from Underweight at Morgan Stanley. NOTABLE MOVERS: Scripps Networks (SNI) is up 1.2% following the announcement that Discovery (DISCA) will acquire the company for $90 per share in a cash and stock transaction valued at $14.6B. Discovery is down just under 1%. LOWER: Facebook (FB), down marginally after being downgraded to Sell from Hold at Pivotal Research... Changyou.com (CYOU), down 2.3% after reporting quarterly results... Clovis (CLVS), down 7.4% after entering into a clinical collaboration agreement to evaluate the combination of Bristol-Myers (BMY) immunotherapy Opdivo and Clovis Oncology's poly, or ADP-ribose, polymerase, or PARP, inhibitor Rubraca in pivotal phase 3 clinical trials.
DISCA

Hot Stocks

09:17 EDT Discovery CEO sees Olympics site selection announcement within next few weeks - Asked if he has a sense of when the site of the 2024 Olympics would be announced, Discovery CEO David Zaslav said he expects "probably...within the next few weeks," adding "if it turns out to be Paris it will be a very big deal for us as we have the Olympics across all of Europe in 2024, and the buildup to it is a tremendous amount of excitement all across Europe at the prospect of it."
CIVB

Hot Stocks

09:14 EDT Civista announces retirement of CEO James Miller and succession plan - Civista Bancshares announced that, effective December 31 James O. Miller will retire as an employee and relinquish his positions as CEO and president of Civista and as CEO of Civista's banking subsidiary, Civista Bank. Miller will continue as chairman of the boards of directors of Civista and the Bank in the capacity of a non-employee director. Because Dennis E. Murray, Jr. will continue in his capacity as lead independent director, the leadership structure of the boards of directors will not change. Dennis G. Shaffer, who is currently executive vice president of Civista and president of the Bank, is expected to replace Miller in his current executive positions as chief executive officer of Civista and its banking subsidiary.
DISCA SNI

Hot Stocks

09:12 EDT Discovery CFO says not planning any asset sales as part of Scripps deal - Discovery (DISCA) CFO Gunnar Wiedenfels said the company is not planning any asset sales, saying "we haven't baked anything into the numbers" related to its Scripps (SNI) agreement. He added: "Let's wait until the closes, and we'll take a look at the product portfolio and see how we can extract the best value out of the combined business [but] we're not planning any sales."
AMGN

Hot Stocks

09:12 EDT Amgen submits supplemental BLA to FDA for Prolia - Amgen announced the submission of a supplemental Biologics License Application, or sBLA, to the FDA for Prolia for the treatment of patients with glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis.The sBLA is based on a Phase 3 study evaluating the safety and efficacy of Prolia compared with risedronate in patients receiving glucocorticoid treatment. Osteoporosis can be caused by glucocorticoid medications, which are prescribed to treat inflammatory diseases. Within the first three months of beginning glucocorticoid treatment, fracture risk increases by up to 75%, with bone mineral density continuing to decline significantly in the months that follow.
MFA

Hot Stocks

09:12 EDT MFA Financial appoints Craig Knutson as co-CEO - MFA Financial announced that its Board of Directors has appointed Craig Knutson as the company's co-CEO. A nine-year veteran of MFA and currently the firm's President and COO, Knutson will provide additional leadership atop the company while working alongside current CEO William Gorin, allowing Gorin to focus on his ongoing treatment for cancer.
CAMT

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09:07 EDT Camtek to pay $13M to Rudolph for setttlement - Camtek announced that it has reached a settlement with Rudolph Technologies relating to pending patent lawsuits that Rudolph filed against Camtek and that Camtek filed against Rudolph. According to the settlement, Camtek will pay Rudolph the sum of $13M and each side will dismiss their claims against each other with prejudice. The settlement further gives Camtek a perpetual right to sell its existing products, the Condor, Gannet and Eagle, as well as future products, without any claim of patent infringement from any of the patent families that Camtek had been sued on. Camtek granted similar rights to Rudolph on Camtek's patent for Kerf inspection. In addition, the parties agreed to a quiet period of three years, during which neither party may file any action seeking damages against the other party. Camtek will record the $13M payment to Rudolph as a one-time expense in its Q2 GAAP results.
AMG

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09:06 EDT Affiliated Managers plans to repurchase additional $100M of stock by end of 2017
SBRA CCP

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09:05 EDT Hudson Bay Capital urges Sabra shareholders to reject Care Capital acquisition - Hudson Bay Capital Managementand its affiliated investment funds, which beneficially own approximately 3.9% of the common stock of Sabra Health Care REIT (SBRA), released an open letter to SBRA shareholders to set the record straight on the "highly misleading" points Sabra stated in its press release and presentation on July 28 and to reiterate why SBRA shareholders "must reject Sabra's value destroying, proposed" acquisition of Care Capital Properties. A special meeting to vote on the proposed merger is scheduled to be held August 15. The letter included: "We are writing to you today to set the record straight by addressing the highly misleading points Sabra made in its press release and presentation dated July 28 and to reiterate our opposition to Sabra's acquisition of Care Capital Properties. Hudson Bay is calling upon fellow Sabra shareholders to protect the fair value of their investment and to VOTE AGAINST the CCP acquisition at a special meeting to vote on the proposed merger to be held August 15. The misleading points put forth by Sabra on July 28, 2017 include: Sabra cherry-picking analysts' commentary to show support for the CCP acquisition, including from analysts that actually OPPOSE the transaction... Sabra claims its "management team's interests are directly aligned with all Sabra shareholders" when in reality CEO Rick Matros's compensation structure raises serious conflicts of interest.....SBRA called the CCP acquisition a "turnaround opportunity," but we all know that is just a nice way of saying they acquired troubled assets at inflated values....WE BELIEVE THE ACQUISITION OF CCP IS DISASTROUS AND MUST BE BLOCKED. We urge you to PROTECT AND MAXIMIZE your investment in Sabra by VOTING AGAINST the CCP acquisition at the upcoming Special Meeting."
IP

Hot Stocks

09:05 EDT International Paper makes $1.25B voluntary pension contribution - International Paper announced it is making a $1.25B voluntary contribution to its U.S. tax-qualified defined benefit pension plan by September 15 and taking additional steps in the second half of 2017 to reduce risk related to the plan.
LLY

Hot Stocks

09:04 EDT Eli Lilly and Boehringer to support American College of Cardiology program - Boehringer Ingelheim and Eli Lilly and Company announced that the companies will support an American College of Cardiology program focused on driving quality improvement in cardiology and addressing the latest research advances in the reduction of cardiovascular risk and cardiovascular mortality in people with type 2 diabetes. The new program will capture key learnings from cardiologists who are managing cardiovascular risk for people with type 2 diabetes and identify how and why these healthcare professional innovators are leading this challenge.
AMGN AGN

Hot Stocks

09:02 EDT Amgen and Allergan submit BLA to FDA for ABP 980 - Amgen (AMGN) and Allergan (AGN) announced the submission of a Biologics License Application, or BLA, to the FDA for ABP 980, a biosimilar candidate to Herceptin. Amgen and Allergan are collaborating on four oncology biosimilar medicines, including ABP 980 which is the second to be submitted for FDA approval.
SSNLF

Hot Stocks

09:02 EDT Samsung launches Samsung ARTIK cloud monetization for IoT - Samsung Electronics announced Samsung ARTIK Cloud Monetization for the Internet of Things, "a new service to monetize the data shared by IoT devices and enable an IoT data economy. For the first time, device manufacturers and service providers can tap into an open ecosystem and create service plans that generate revenue directly from the interactions of devices and services. With this unique data monetization model, device manufacturers can take advantage of Samsung ARTIK Cloud's extensive interoperability features to generate new revenue streams and implement new business models, such as hardware as a service."
XTLY

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09:01 EDT Xactly trading halted, news dissemination
BIIB PFE

Hot Stocks

09:01 EDT Biogen names Anabella Villalobos as SVP, BTMS - Biogen (BIIB) announced the appointment of Anabella Villalobos, Ph.D., as senior vice president, Biotherapeutic & Medicinal Sciences. Villalobos will lead Biogen's BTMS organization in the delivery of high-quality, differentiated molecules to the clinic. She will report to Michael Ehlers, M.D., Ph.D., executive vice president, Head of Research and Development. Villalobos joins Biogen from Pfizer Worldwide Research and Development (PFE) where she most recently served as Vice President and Head of Medicinal Synthesis Technologies.
AMZN

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08:59 EDT GRAIL selects AWS as cloud provider - Amazon Web Services announced that GRAIL, a life sciences company whose mission is to detect cancer early, when it can be cured, has selected AWS as its cloud infrastructure provider. With more than a billion dollars in funding and advised by a world-class set of industry and cancer experts, GRAIL is combining high-intensity genomic sequencing with the techniques of modern data science as it seeks to transform the way cancer is diagnosed. GRAIL is running one of the largest clinical research programs ever pursued in genomic medicine, and AWS will enable GRAIL to ingest hundreds of thousands of records and genomic datasets, securely and reliably store them, and choose from a wide range of analytics and machine learning services to develop early detection products and demonstrate their clinical utility. GRAIL is collaborating with leading community and academic medical centers to conduct its studies, which will create unprecedented amounts of data as each patient record can contain as much as a terabyte. By migrating its core processing and analytical infrastructure from on-premises to AWS, GRAIL is leveraging AWS's unmatched breadth and depth of cloud functionality, HIPAA-compliant services, and proven security to build a data science pipeline that will allow GRAIL and its clinical partners to process and analyze large-scale datasets.
AMG

Hot Stocks

08:57 EDT Affiliated Managers says competitive position 'better than ever' - Comments from Q2 earnings conference call.
XTLY

Hot Stocks

08:56 EDT Xactly acquired by Vista Equity Partners - Xactly announced that it has been acquired by Vista Equity Partners, a private equity firm focused on investments in software, data and technology-enabled businesses. The transaction, originally announced on May 30, 2017, was completed on July 31, 2017. Xactly's stockholders approved the acquisition on July 28, 2017. With the completion of the transaction, Xactly's common stock will cease trading and no longer be listed on the New York Stock Exchange.
CDI

Hot Stocks

08:56 EDT CDI Corp. trading resumes
DISCA SNI

Hot Stocks

08:53 EDT Discovery 'has not baked in' topline benefit to announced synergy assumptions - Discovery CFO Gunnar Wiedenfels said the company's $350M synergy target put into its model is "purely cost synergies," and the company hasn't "baked in any upsides on the top line."
AABA

Hot Stocks

08:51 EDT Altaba up 1.3% in premarket trading after announcing $5B share buyback program
CDI

Hot Stocks

08:48 EDT CDI Corp. to be acquired by AE Industrial Partners for $8.25 per share in cash - CDI Corp. announced that it has entered into a definitive agreement to be acquired by affiliates of AE Industrial Partners. Pursuant to the agreement, AEI will acquire all of the outstanding shares of the Company's common stock for $8.25 per share in an all-cash tender offer and follow-on merger. The agreement was unanimously approved by the Company's Board of Directors following a review of strategic alternatives that the Company announced in March 2017. In addition, shareholders representing 26% of shares outstanding have entered into tender and support agreements. Under the terms of the agreement, AEI will commence a tender offer to purchase any and all of the outstanding shares of CDI's common stock for $8.25 per share in cash. The purchase price represents a 33% premium to the closing price of $6.20 on July 28th and a 36% premium to the average closing price for the last 30 trading days of $6.06. Upon completion of the transaction, CDI will become a privately held company. The transaction, which is expected to close in the third quarter of 2017, is conditioned upon, among other things, satisfaction of a minimum tender condition, regulatory filings, and other customary closing conditions. There are no financing conditions associated with the proposed agreement.
CDI

Hot Stocks

08:47 EDT CDI Corp. to be acquired by AE Industrial Partners for $8.25 per share in cash
DISCA

Hot Stocks

08:46 EDT Discovery assuming 2024 Olympic Games will be in Paris - Discovery CFO Gunnar Wiedenfels, discussing the financial impact of the Olympics for 2018 and beyond on the company's earnings and deal announcement call, said the company's current expectation is that the 2024 Games will be in Paris. With that working hypothesis, "which represents our best expectations at this time," Scripps expects to recognize 10% of the total of $1.4B rights cost in the first quarter of 2018, with 30% then recognized in 2020, 15% in 2022 and 45% in 2024. For next year's Olympics, Discovery expects an additional $100M of production and other costs to also be recognized in the first quarter. Scripps does not expect the Olympic to have a material impact on full year profit in FY18, repeating its prior view that the majority of revenues will come from sublicensing.
PPHM

Hot Stocks

08:43 EDT Peregrine intends to increase board seats to up to 7 from 4 - Peregrine Pharmaceuticals announced that it intends to increase the size of its board from four to up to seven members through the addition of new highly-qualified independent directors with CDMO and biologics experience. The Company also announced that it plans to initiate a search for a dedicated President to lead its wholly-owned CDMO subsidiary, Avid Bioservices, Inc. Lastly, the Company today provided an update on its evaluation of strategic options for advancing its R&D business.
SNES

Hot Stocks

08:39 EDT SenesTech's products selected by City of Chicago for pilot program - SenesTech has confirmed reports in the Chicago Tribune and other media outlets on July 25 that the City of Chicago is commencing a new pilot program for controlling rodent populations utilizing ContraPest, SenesTech's lead product for controlling rodent infestations through fertility control.
SPX

Hot Stocks

08:39 EDT Trump highlights highest stock market 'EVER,' no chaos at White House - President Donald Trump tweeted, "Highest Stock Market EVER, best economic numbers in years, unemployment lowest in 17 years, wages raising, border secure, S.C.: No WH chaos!" He tweeted earlier, "If ObamaCare is hurting people, & it is, why shouldn't it hurt the insurance companies & why should Congress not be paying what public pays?"
CELH

Hot Stocks

08:38 EDT Celsius Holdings announces distribution partnership with Qifeng Food Technology - Celsius Holdings announced entry into the China market and nationwide distribution of Celsius brands, through a new, strategic partnership through Qifeng Food Technology, a national wholesale distributor of foods and beverages founded by former Pepsi, Nestle and Red Bull executives. Under the partnership, Qifeng Food will distribute CELSIUS brands via all channels of trade through their network of over 500 distributors.
KITE

Hot Stocks

08:38 EDT Kite Pharma files CAR-T MAA in Europe for axicabtagene ciloleucel - Kite Pharma announced that it has submitted a Marketing Authorization Application to the European Medicines Agency for axicabtagene ciloleucel as a treatment for patients with relapsed/refractory diffuse large B-cell lymphoma, transformed follicular lymphoma, and primary mediastinal B-cell lymphoma who are ineligible for autologous stem cell transplant. This application represents the first chimeric antigen receptor T-cell therapy submitted to the EMA. Axicabtagene ciloleucel is currently under review by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, and the FDA has set a Prescription Drug User Fee Act action date of November 29. The MAA for axicabtagene ciloleucel is supported by data from the ZUMA-1 trial, which met the primary endpoint of objective response rate, with 82% of patients achieving a response after a single infusion of axicabtagene ciloleucel. At a median follow-up of 8.7 months, 44% of patients were in ongoing response, which included 39% of patients in complete response. The most common Grade 3 or higher adverse events included cytokine release syndrome and neurologic events, which were generally reversible.
GFF

Hot Stocks

08:37 EDT Griffon says Ames Companies acquires La Hacienda for approximately $11M - Griffon Corporation announced that its subsidiary, The Ames Companies, acquired La Hacienda Limited, a United Kingdom outdoor living brand of unique heating and garden decor products. The acquisition broadens AMES' global outdoor living and lawn and garden business, and supports AMES' UK expansion strategy. The purchase price for La Hacienda approximated $11M. The acquisition is expected to contribute approximately $18M in annualized revenue and be immediately accretive to Griffon's earnings in its first full year of operations.
MBLY INTC

Hot Stocks

08:36 EDT Cyclops Holding extends offering period of cash tender offer for Mobileye - Intel (INTC) announced that Cyclops Holdings, a wholly owned subsidiary of Intel, has extended the offering period of its previously announced all cash tender offer to purchase all of the outstanding ordinary shares of Mobileye (MBLY). The tender offer is being made pursuant to the Purchase Agreement, dated as of March 12, by and among Intel, Cyclops and Mobileye. The tender offer is now scheduled to expire at 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on August 11 unless the tender offer is extended or earlier terminated, in either case pursuant to the terms of the Purchase Agreement. Completion of the tender offer remains subject to additional conditions.
VCYT

Hot Stocks

08:35 EDT Veracyte announces clinical validation data for Afirma GSC - Veracyte announced that an oral presentation of data from the pivotal clinical validation study of the Afirma Genomic Sequencing Classifier was presented at the 3rd World Congress on Thyroid Cancer held July 27-30 in Boston, Mass. The data demonstrate that the test, a next-generation version of the company's widely used Afirma Gene Expression Classifier, can identify 30% more benign thyroid nodules among those with "indeterminate" cytopathology - enabling these patients to avoid unnecessary diagnostic surgeries. The Afirma GSC uniquely combines RNA sequencing and machine learning to leverage more enriched, previously undetectable genomic information. Researchers validated the Afirma GSC on a prospective, multicenter, blinded cohort of 191 indeterminate thyroid nodule fine needle aspiration samples - the same sample set previously used to validate the first-generation Afirma GEC. Data shared by Dr. Patel at WCTC demonstrate that the Afirma GSC maintained the original test's high sensitivity and significantly increased its specificity, from 52% to 68%. The enhanced classifier's high specificity can identify 30% more patients with benign nodules compared to the Afirma GEC - allowing approximately 70% of patients with benign nodules to avoid unnecessary surgery when the cytopathology report is indeterminate. The Afirma GSC identifies benign Hurthle cells, which are usually very difficult to discern from cancer, with increased specificity of 59% compared with just 12% with the Afirma GEC. In addition, Veracyte will also provide classifiers for medullary thyroid cancer, the BRAF V600E variant and add classifiers to identify RET/PTC1 and RET/PTC3 fusions, which are almost always associated with cancer. These results provide additional value to further guide physicians on the extent of surgery to perform.
ICE

Hot Stocks

08:34 EDT ICE to launch new London silver daily futures contract - Intercontinental Exchange announced that ICE Futures U.S. plans to launch a new London Silver Daily Futures contract on September 5, 2017, pending regulatory review. The contract offers physical delivery of unallocated silver held in a London Precious Metals Clearing Limited vault.
GVA

Hot Stocks

08:34 EDT Granite Construction awarded $318M bridge project in Brooklyn - Granite Construction announced that has been awarded a $318M contract by the New York State Department of Transportation for the construction of phase two of the Kosciuszko Bridge in Brooklyn, New York. The contract will be included in Granite's second quarter 2017 backlog. Granite is responsible for replacement of the westbound span of the Brooklyn-Queens Expressway Bridge over Newtown Creek. The scope of work includes the construction of a new cable stayed bridge, approach spans and connectors in Brooklyn and Queens, retaining walls, concrete paving, and related earthwork. The new bridge will have four lanes and a 20-foot-wide bikeway/walkway.
CDI

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08:34 EDT CDI Corp. trading halted, news pending
INDV

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08:33 EDT Indivior announces FDA acceptance of priority review designation for RBP-6000 - Indivior announces that the FDA has accepted with a Priority Review designation the New Drug Application, or NDA, for RBP-6000, an investigational once-monthly injectable buprenorphine in the ATRIGEL delivery system for the treatment of adults with moderate-to-severe opioid use disorder, or OUD, as part of a complete treatment plan to include counseling and psychosocial support. The NDA, which was submitted on May 30, 2017, is based on data from the pivotal Phase 3 study, or assessing the efficacy and safety of RBP-6000. If approved, RBP-6000 would represent the first once-monthly injectable buprenorphine treatment for OUD.
AABA

Hot Stocks

08:33 EDT Altaba announces $5B share repurchase program - Altaba announced that its Board of Directors has authorized the repurchase of up to $5B of its common stock. Altaba announced in June that it had repurchased approximately 64.5 million common shares, or approximately 6.7% of the company's issued and outstanding shares, for $3.4B in a modified "Dutch auction" self-tender offer. The authorization being announced today marks the next stage of the company's program to return cash to its shareholders. "We have consistently stated that it is our intent to return substantially all of our cash to shareholders over time (of course retaining what we need to cover liabilities and operate the Fund) - and with this action, we state it again today, clearly." said Thomas J. McInerney, CEO of Altaba.
INDV

Hot Stocks

08:32 EDT Indivios announces FDA acceptance of priority review designation for RBP-6000 - Indivior announces that the FDA has accepted with a Priority Review designation the New Drug Application, or NDA, for RBP-6000, an investigational once-monthly injectable buprenorphine in the ATRIGEL delivery system for the treatment of adults with moderate-to-severe opioid use disorder, or OUD, as part of a complete treatment plan to include counseling and psychosocial support. The NDA, which was submitted on May 30, 2017, is based on data from the pivotal Phase 3 study, or assessing the efficacy and safety of RBP-6000. If approved, RBP-6000 would represent the first once-monthly injectable buprenorphine treatment for OUD.
CRAI FE

Hot Stocks

08:32 EDT FirstEnergy Ohio utilities' electric security plan ESP-IV auction - CRA International (CRAI) announced that an auction process will be conducted for FirstEnergy (FE) Ohio utilities to procure full requirements service for their Standard Service Offer customers. The auction process will lead up to the auction scheduled for October 10. The bidding process will use a descending-price clock auction format. The auction will be managed by Auction Manager CRA International. The auction is being conducted pursuant to FirstEnergy's Ohio Electric Security Plan as approved by the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio. This is the fifth auction in the series of ESP-IV auctions. The Information Session for prospective bidders for the October auction is scheduled for Thursday, August 17. Instructions on how to join the Webcast session are available on the Auction Information Website at www.firstenergycbp.com. Part 1 Applications from prospective bidders will be accepted starting August 23 and are due no later than September 8. For successful Part 1 applicants, the submission window for the Part 2 Application process will be September 14 through September 27. The products in the October 10 auction are a 24-month contract and a 36-month contract.
GVA

Hot Stocks

08:32 EDT Granite Construction awarded $441M JV design-build transit project - Granite Construction announced that the joint venture team comprised of Granite Construction Company and Archer Western has been awarded the South Capitol Street Corridor Phase 1 design-build contract by the District of Columbia Department of Transportation. Granite will book its 50% share of the $441M joint venture project into backlog during the second quarter of 2017. The joint venture team will be responsible for the replacement of the existing Frederick Douglass Memorial Bridge over the Anacostia River in Washington, D.C. The scope of work includes the construction of two new approach ovals and the reconstruction of a portion of I-295 adjacent to the new bridge. When complete, the bridge will have six lanes, and improved bicycle and pedestrian facilities.
INTC MBLY

Hot Stocks

08:31 EDT Intel extends cash tender offer for Mobileye outstanding shares - Intel (INTC) announced that Cyclops Holdings, LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Intel, has extended the offering period of its previously announced all cash tender offer to purchase all of the outstanding ordinary shares of Mobileye N.V. (MBLY). The tender offer is being made pursuant to the Purchase Agreement, dated as of March 12, 2017, by and among Intel, Cyclops and Mobileye. The tender offer is now scheduled to expire at 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on August 11, 2017, unless the tender offer is extended or earlier terminated, in either case pursuant to the terms of the Purchase Agreement. American Stock Transfer & Trust Company, LLC, the depositary for the tender offer, has advised Cyclops that as of 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on July 28, 2017, the previously scheduled expiration time, 175,088,921 Mobileye ordinary shares, representing approximately 78.63% of the outstanding Mobileye ordinary shares, had been validly tendered pursuant to the tender offer and not properly withdrawn and an additional 27,187,778 Mobileye ordinary shares, representing approximately 12.21% of the outstanding Mobileye ordinary shares, had been tendered pursuant to guaranteed delivery procedures. The transaction is currently expected to close during the third quarter of 2017. Mobileye shareholders who have already tendered their ordinary shares of Mobileye do not have to re-tender their shares or take any other action as a result of the extension of the expiration date of the tender offer. Completion of the tender offer remains subject to additional conditions described in the tender offer statement on Schedule TO filed by Cyclops Holdings with the U.S. SEC on April 5, 2017. Such conditions include the receipt of regulatory approval from the Korean Fair Trade Commission and at least 67% of Mobileye's outstanding shares being validly tendered and not withdrawn prior to the expiration of the tender offer. The tender offer will continue to be extended until all conditions are satisfied or waived, or until the tender offer is terminated, in either case pursuant to the terms of the Purchase Agreement and as described in the Schedule TO.
NVIV

Hot Stocks

08:31 EDT InVivo Therapeutics trading resumes
PVAC

Hot Stocks

08:30 EDT Penn Virginia trading resumes
ONVO

Hot Stocks

08:25 EDT Organovo, UCSD receive $1.7M grant from NIH - Organovo Holdings announced it has received a three-year, $1.7M grant from the National Institutes of Health, or NIH, to collaboratively study non-alcoholic fatty liver disease with researchers at University of California San Diego School of Medicine. Grant payments will be spread over three years as research milestones are successfully completed. The NIH is the largest public funder of biomedical research in the world, investing more than $32 billion each year in partnership with leading commercial organizations and academic centers to fund cutting-edge breakthroughs and treatments in areas of critical unmet need.
MDT

Hot Stocks

08:24 EDT Medtronic announces CE Mark, EU launch of CoreValve Evolut PRO - Medtronic announced CE mark and European launch of the CoreValve Evolut PRO valve for the treatment of severe aortic stenosis for symptomatic patients who are at intermediate, high or extreme risk for open heart surgery. Clinical data for the Evolut PRO valve was recently unveiled at the American College of Cardiology 66th Annual Scientific Session, and showed high survival, low rates of stroke, minimal paravalvular leak and excellent hemodynamics. The Evolut PRO device features a unique valve design with an outer wrap that adds surface area contact between the valve and the native aortic annulus to further advance valve sealing performance. The biocompatible porcine pericardial tissue wrap, in addition to other design elements, is incorporated to address the occurrence of blood leaking through the sides of the valve.
PVAC DVN

Hot Stocks

08:22 EDT Penn Virginia acquires Eagle Ford assets from Devon Energy - Penn Virginia (PVAC) announced that it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Eagle Ford assets located primarily in Lavaca County, Texas for $205M in cash from Devon Energy (DVN). The company anticipates the acquisition will close on or before September 30, 2017, with an effective date of March 1, 2017. Penn Virginia expects the purchase price will be adjusted downwards by approximately $15 million to reflect estimated net cash flows from the effective date to closing, resulting in a net purchase price of approximately $190 million. The acquisition will be funded with new $150 million of committed debt financing and borrowings under the company's credit facility. Accretive to Penn Virginia under all measures, including earnings, cash flow and net asset value per share.
DISCA SNI

Hot Stocks

08:21 EDT Discovery to suspend share repurchases with focus on paying down debt after deal
DISCA SNI

Hot Stocks

08:21 EDT Discovery deal with Scripps Networks has 'customary' 3% break-up fee provision - Discovery (DISCA) plans to realize half of planned synergies in the first year after closing, and will budget a onetime cost to achieve of around $300M-$350M in the first year after close. Executives from Discovery and Scripps Networks (SNI) are discussing the deal on a joint conference call.
CPIX

Hot Stocks

08:16 EDT Cumberland begins distribution of Totec to U.S. wholesalers - Cumberland Pharmaceuticals will begin distributing dexrazoxane, sold under the brand name Totect, to U.S. wholesalers today. Totect is an FDA-approved emergency oncology intervention indicated to treat the toxic effects of anthracycline chemotherapy in case of extravasation.
NVIV

Hot Stocks

08:11 EDT InVivo Therapeutics temporarily halts INSPIRE enrollment after patient death - The most recent patient to enroll into the INSPIRE study, who was implanted in late June, passed away suddenly at a rehabilitation facility following discharge from the hospital. The cause of death was deemed by the Principal Investigator at the site to be unrelated to the Neuro-Spinal Scaffold or implantation procedure. This represents the third death in INSPIRE to date, all of which have been deemed to be unrelated to the investigational product or implantation procedure by each respective site's Principal Investigators. The company has elected, based in part on discussions with the company's independent Data Safety Monitoring Board, to implement a temporary halt to enrollment as it engages with the Food and Drug Administration to determine whether any changes to patient enrollment criteria related to patients who may have a higher mortality risk or other study modifications are deemed necessary. As a result of the temporary enrollment halt, the company anticipates completing INSPIRE enrollment in the first half of 2018 and submitting a Humanitarian Device Exemption application in the second half of 2018.
NVIV

Hot Stocks

08:10 EDT InVivo Therapeutics updates patient conversions in INSPIRE study - InVivo Therapeutics Holdings provided an update on the progress of the company's INSPIRE Study, which is designed to demonstrate the safety and probable benefit of the Neuro-Spinal Scaffold for the treatment of complete thoracic spinal cord injury. The primary endpoint of the study is defined as improvement in ASIA Impairment Scale grade from baseline at the six-month visit. The study update includes: Update on Patient Conversions: A patient improved from complete AIS A SCI to motor incomplete AIS C SCI at the one-month visit. A second patient improved from complete AIS A SCI to sensory incomplete AIS B SCI at the six-month visit. Six of 11 patients have had an AIS grade improvement at the six-month primary endpoint visit. Of the seven conversions, four are AIS C conversions at this time, meaning these four patients have recovered both sensory and motor function. These conversions to AIS C have occurred as early as one month and as late as 24 months after Neuro-Spinal Scaffold implantation. Having assessments of motor improvements occurring one or two years post-implantation is uncommon and may be indicative of prolonged neural repair. One of the two patients who recently converted initially converted from complete AIS A SCI to sensory incomplete AIS B SCI at two months but reverted back to AIS A at three months. Subsequently, at the six-month visit, the patient converted from AIS A to AIS B. This conversion to AIS B at six months will be included in the primary endpoint analysis of AIS improvements from baseline at the six-month visit. The other patient who recently converted was implanted in June 2017 t converted from complete AIS A SCI to motor incomplete AIS C SCI between the hospital discharge and one-month visits. At baseline, the patient was assessed to have a T6 neurological level of injury. In a large European registry, only 2.9% of patients with a T6-T9 NLI were reported to improve to AIS C or better by one month after injury. This is the second patient in the INSPIRE study to have reached AIS C motor incomplete classification at the one-month evaluation and the fourth patient in the INSPIRE study to have reached AIS C motor incomplete classification.
MASI

Hot Stocks

08:08 EDT Study compares performance of Masimo RRa, Nellcore PM1000N - Masimo announced that researchers at the Tokyo Women's Medical University, Department of Anesthesiology, in Japan have published a study investigating the measurement of respiration rate in volunteers. Masimo acoustic respiration rate, using the Masimo Radical-7 Pulse CO-Oximeter, was studied alongside Nellcor plethysmographic respiration rate, using the Nellcor PM1000N. Dr. Kitsiripant and colleagues enrolled 50 healthy adult volunteers in the study. Respiration rate, pulse rate, and oxygen saturation values were measured using the two technologies: Nellcor respiration rate, pulse rate, and SpO2 on PM1000N were measured using an SpO2 adhesive sensor on the left index finger; Masimo respiration rate on Radical-7 was measured using the RAS-125c acoustic sensor on the left side of the neck, with an R1-25L adhesive sensor on the right index finger measuring Masimo pulse rate and SpO2. The researchers concluded that Masimo acoustic respiration rate provided faster detection of respiratory pause than Nellcor, but it should be noted as a limitation of the study that the measurements were taken using volunteer participants who maintained a fixed breathing rate and then abruptly held their breath.
AMCN

Hot Stocks

08:06 EDT AirMedia enters into Amendment No. 4 to merger plan - AirMedia Group announced that on July 31 it entered into Amendment No. 4 to the Agreement and Plan of Merger to amend that certain Agreement and Plan of Merger dated September 29, 2015, as amended, by and among the Company, AirMedia Holdings and AirMedia Merger Company, a wholly owned subsidiary of Parent. The Merger Agreement Amendment No. 4 contains the following major amendments: the consideration at which Parent will acquire all of the outstanding shares of the Company not already owned by Herman Guo Man, Dan Shao and Qing Xu has been reduced from $3.00 per ordinary share of the Company or $6.00 per American depositary share, each representing two Shares, or ADSs,, to US$2.05 per Share or US$4.10 per ADS; the Buyer Group intends to fund the Proposed Transaction from the proceeds of a loan facility to be provided by China Merchants Bank, New York Branch; The parent termination fee has been increased from $5.32M to $10.64M; parent and Merger Sub have both agreed to, on or prior to October 31 deposit an amount equal to the Parent Termination Fee into an escrow account or cause the issuance of a letter of credit in the same amount for the benefit of the Company as security for the payment of the Parent Termination Fee; the Company and its relevant subsidiaries have agreed to facilitate the satisfaction of funding conditions under the Debt Commitment Letter; and the termination date of the Merger Agreement has been extended from July 31 to December 31.
NCIT

Hot Stocks

08:06 EDT NCI, Inc. reports early termination of HSR waiting period for acquisition - NCI, Inc. announced that the U.S. Federal Trade Commission has granted early termination of the waiting period required under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act with respect to the pending acquisition of NCI by private funds managed by an affiliate of H.I.G. Capital at a price of $20.00 per share, net to the seller in cash, without interest, and subject to deduction for any required withholding of taxes. The early termination of the Hart-Scott-Rodino waiting period has satisfied one of the conditions to the closing of the tender offer. The closing of the tender offer remains subject to other conditions, including the tender of shares of NCI common stock representing at least a majority of the voting power of the shares of Class A and Class B common stock outstanding on a fully-diluted basis and other customary conditions. The closing of the transaction is not contingent on financing. Unless the tender offer is extended, the tender offer and any withdrawal rights to which NCI's stockholders may be entitled will expire at 12:00 midnight, New York City time, at the end of the day on Friday, August 11, 2017. Following the acceptance for payment of shares in the tender offer and completion of the transactions contemplated in the merger agreement, NCI will be an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of an affiliate of H.I.G.
PTIE

Hot Stocks

08:06 EDT Pain Therapeutics announces FDA clearance of PTI-125 IND application - Pain Therapeutics announced the FDA has cleared its Investigational New Drug application for PTI-125, a novel drug candidate to treat Alzheimer's Disease. As a result, clinical testing with PTI-125 will begin shortly, with funding provided by a $1.7M research grant from the National Institutes of Health. PTI-125 will initially be tested in a Phase I 'first-in-human' study to observe measures of safety and pharmacokinetics and to inform dosing for future studies. The design of this Phase I study was based on FDA feedback, clinical and scientific rationale and observations from previously conducted preclinical and in vitro studies. Study results are expected by year-end 2017.
CLGX FNMA

Hot Stocks

08:05 EDT CoreLogic integrates with Fannie Mae to provide Day 1 certainty service - CoreLogic (CLGX) announced that, effective in early August, it will have fully integrated its 4506-T income verification product with Fannie Mae's (FNMA) Desktop Underwriter platform. Mortgage lenders will be able to access these verification products as part of the DU validation service, providing automated access and rapid representations and warranties relief for validated loan components.
TEVA

Hot Stocks

08:05 EDT Celltrion, Teva announce FDA acceptance of BLA for Herceptin biosimilar - Celltrion and Teva Pharmaceutical announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has accepted for review the Biologics License Application for CT-P6, a proposed Monoclonal Antibody biosimilar to Herceptin, which is used for the treatment of Human Epidermal growth factor Receptor 2-overexpressing breast cancer and metastatic gastric cancer. The BLA for CT-P6 includes data for CT-P6 and reference trastuzumab in terms of efficacy, safety, immunogenicity, pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics. These trials were conducted in over 500 patients in 22 countries. CT-P6 has been approved by the Korean Ministry of Food and Drug Safety. Celltrion also filed marketing authorization applications for CT-P6 to the European Medicines Agency in October 2016. Celltrion and Teva entered into an exclusive partnership to commercialize CT-P6 and CT-P10 in the U.S. and Canada in October 2016.
DVN

Hot Stocks

08:04 EDT Devon Energy announces $340M of noncore asset sales - Devon Energy said it has entered into a definitive agreement to monetize its Lavaca County assets in the Eagle Ford play. Combined with other minor asset sales completed across its U.S. operations, proceeds from the company's recently announced $1B divestiture program have now reached $340M. The Lavaca County transaction is subject to customary terms and conditions and is expected to close by the end of 2017. In aggregate, net production from the divested properties averaged approximately 4,000 oil-equivalent barrels per day. Field-level cash flow accompanying these assets, which excludes overhead costs, is projected to approximate $30M annually. Proved reserves associated with these properties amounted to less than 10 million Boe at Dec. 31, 2016. The company expects to incur minimal taxes associated with these transactions. Efforts to monetize Devon's Johnson County properties in the Barnett Shale are progressing. The Johnson County assets represent approximately 20% of the company's Barnett Shale net production and cash flow. Devon is actively marketing these assets and expects to complete its non-core divestiture program over the next year.
MYO

Hot Stocks

08:03 EDT Myomo obtains CE Mark approval for MyoPro - Myomo announced that it has obtained CE Mark approval for commercial sale of its next-generation MyoPro myoelectric arm orthosis across the European Economic Area. The CE Mark indicates MyoPro complies with the essential requirements of relevant EU legislation and has achieved quality system certification. MyoPro is the only lightweight wearable device that can restore function in the paralyzed or weakened arms and hands of individuals who have suffered a stroke, spinal cord or nerve injury, or other neuromuscular disability.
VSAT

Hot Stocks

08:03 EDT ViaSat awarded $73M contract extension by U.S. DISA - The U.S. Defense Information Systems Agency, or DISA, extended its contract with ViaSat (VSAT) to continue to provide senior leaders and their support staff with in-flight broadband and connectivity services on senior leader aircraft. As outlined in the original DISA contract, there are two options for extension, and the first was executed on June 1. The contract extension is part of a non-competitive firm-fixed price contract, which focuses on ViaSat providing high-quality broadband and connectivity services, via its global Ku- and Ka-band communications satellite network, to senior leader and VIP aircraft when in-flight. The face value of this contract extension is $19,277,009 funded by FY17 operations and maintenance funding. The total cumulative face value of the contract is $73,217,722. Performance will be primarily at ViaSat's networks operation center and government care centers.
CMD

Hot Stocks

08:02 EDT Cantel Medical to acquire BHT Group in Germany for about $60.8M - Cantel Medical announced that it entered into a definitive agreement to purchase BHT Hygienetechnik Holding, the German market leader in automated endoscope reprocessing and related equipment and services and flexible endoscope repair, for a cash purchase price of approximately $60.8M on a cash-free and debt- free basis. For the trailing twelve months ending May 31, 2017, BHT Group reported revenues of $24.5M. Cantel anticipates the acquisition to be accretive to non-GAAP earnings per share in the fiscal year ending July 31, 2018 and beyond, and accretive to GAAP earnings per share in the fiscal year ending July 31, 2019 and beyond. The BHT Group has nearly 100 employees and a broad commercial sales and service organization as well as manufacturing and engineering, R&D and associated support functions to drive the business. Subject to customary closing conditions, Cantel expects the transaction to close at the end of August 2017.
DISH TIVO

Hot Stocks

08:02 EDT Dish completes migration to TiVo Metadata - TiVo (TIVO) announced that pay-TV provider, DISH (DISH), has completed its migration to TiVo Metadata. DISH is utilizing TiVo's metadata, such as program information and image-based content, across its product platforms, including linear TV, video on demand and DVR.
ZTS NVET

Hot Stocks

08:02 EDT Zoetis completes acquisition of Nexvet Biopharma for $6.72 per share - Zoetis (ZTS) and Nexvet Biopharma (NVET) announced that Zoetis has completed the acquisition of Nexvet, a biologic therapeutics company developing a pipeline of monoclonal antibody therapies for companion animals in pain and other therapeutic areas. The acquisition, which was first announced on April 13, strengthens Zoetis' pipeline of solutions for chronic pain management in dogs and cats. It became effective by means of a scheme of arrangement under the Irish Companies Act 2014. Under the terms of the transaction, Nexvet shareholders will receive $6.72 per share representing an aggregate equity valuation of approximately $85M. The Nexvet shareholders will receive the consideration to which they are entitled under the scheme of arrangement within 14 days. With the completion of the acquisition, Nexvet's research programs in the treatment of chronic pain associated with osteoarthritis in dogs and cats, along with other areas, will be integrated into Zoetis' global R&D operation to leverage the company's scale and experience. Nexvet also announced that it requested that trading of its ordinary shares on the NASDAQ Global Market be suspended. Nexvet requested NASDAQ to file Form 25 with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission notifying the SEC of the delisting of the ordinary shares on NASDAQ and the deregistration of Nexvet's ordinary shares.
INXN

Hot Stocks

08:01 EDT Interxion to construct data centers in Frankfurt, Marseille, expand in Vienna - Interxion announced it will construct new data centers in Frankfurt and Marseille and further expand in Vienna. FRA13 will be constructed in two phases, providing 4,800 sqm of equipped space and 10 megawatts of customer-available power when fully built out. The first phase of FRA13, which is expected to provide approximately 2,300 sqm, is planned to open in 4Q 2018; the second phase, which is expected to provide approximately 2,500 sqm, is scheduled to open in 1Q 2019. The capital expenditure associated with FRA13 is expected to be approximately EURO$90 million. Interxion will construct MRS2 in three phases, providing a total of 4,300 sqm of equipped space and over 7 MW of customer available power when fully built out. The first phase will add approximately 900 sqm and is scheduled to open in 1Q 2018, and the second phase will add approximately 1,800 sqm and is scheduled to open in 3Q 2018. The capital expenditure associated with MRS2 is expected to be approximately EURO$76 million. Interxion will add another two phases together with upgraded power for its VIE2 data centre. When completed, these phases will add approximately 2,300 sqm and approximately 6 MW of customer power to VIE2. The initial 300 sqm is expected to become available in 4Q 2017, with another 700 sqm becoming available in 2Q 2018 and another 600 sqm becoming available in 3Q 2018. The capital expenditure associated with this further expansion of VIE2 is expected to be approximately EURO$45 million.
PVAC

Hot Stocks

07:57 EDT Penn Virginia trading halted, news pending
NVIV

Hot Stocks

07:57 EDT InVivo Therapeutics trading halted, news pending
MNK

Hot Stocks

07:46 EDT Mallinckrodt announces publication on H.P. Acthar Gel - Mallinckrodt announced the publication of a company-initiated literature review of clinical and economic data on H.P. Acthar Gel across seven autoimmune and inflammatory disorders - all approved indications for the product. The evidence supported the use of H.P. Acthar Gel across the indications reviewed, pointing to a reduced need for background medications and lower post-therapy healthcare utilization and medical costs. The analysis, which summarizes data from the Academy of Managed Care Pharmacy (AMCP) Formulary dossier for H.P. Acthar Gel was published online in the June 28 issue of Advances in Therapy and titled "Clinical and Economic Evaluation of Repository Corticotropin Injection: A Narrative Literature Review of Treatment Efficacy and Healthcare Resource Utilization for Seven Key Indications."
JEC

Hot Stocks

07:46 EDT Jacobs awarded Highways England's Oxford to Cambridge expressway project - Jacobs Engineering has been awarded a contract by Highways England to develop possible solutions for the Oxford to Cambridge Expressway project, focusing on development of the corridor between the M1 and M40 motorways. The expressway - approximately 93 miles - aims to improve connectivity across England's economic heartland. It will also help unlock strategic growth sites between the university cities of Oxford and Cambridge together with Milton Keynes' high-tech businesses and computer sciences. Over a two-year term, Jacobs and its supply chain partners will identify corridor and route options. The project scope also includes engineering assessment, stakeholder management and project management to progress the project through options development.
FLIR

Hot Stocks

07:43 EDT Flir down 4% after U.S. puts restrictions on sales in China
FLIR

Hot Stocks

07:42 EDT Flir discloses additional U.S restrictions on 9hz thermal sales in China - Flir Systems disclosed late Friday that in June, the United States Department of Commerce Bureau of Industry and Security informed the company of additional export licensing requirements that restrict the company's ability to sell 9hz thermal products without a license to customers in China not identified on a list maintained by the United States Department of Commerce. This action was precipitated by concerns of potential diversion of some of the company's products to prohibited end users and to countries subject to economic and other sanctions implemented by the United States, Flir added in its quarterly regulatory filing. If the company is found to have violated applicable rules and regulations with respect to customers and limitations on the end use of the company's products, Flir "could be subject to substantial fines and penalties, suspension of existing licenses or other authorizations and/or loss or suspension of export privileges," it added. Flir stated that it is "unable to reasonably estimate the time it may take to resolve these matters or the amount or range of potential loss, penalty or other government action, if any, that may be incurred in connection with these matters." However, it adde4d that an unfavorable outcome "could result in substantial fines and penalties or loss or suspension of export privileges or of particular authorizations that could be material" to the company's financial position.
EDAP

Hot Stocks

07:34 EDT EDAP TMS files 510(k) application for Ablatherm-Fusion device - EDAP TMS announced that the company submitted a 510(k) application for its Ablatherm Fusion device, enabling a more precise method for targeting of diagnosed areas within the prostate. Marc Oczachowski, CEO of EDAP TMS, commented: "As recently mentioned, the next generation of Ablatherm devices merge MRI, 3D biopsy maps, and ultrasound images by integrating EDAP's proprietary software and fusion algorithm. This innovative, state of the art option tremendously improves the imaging and targeting capabilities of the Ablatherm while maintaining its unique, proven tissue ablation efficacy."
AXDX

Hot Stocks

07:33 EDT Accelerate Diagnostics appoints Dr. Romney Humphries as Chief Scientific Officer - Accelerate Diagnostics announced the addition of Dr. Romney Humphries to its executive management team as Chief Scientific Officer. Dr. Romney Humphries comes to Accelerate from UCLA Medical Center where she was the Section Chief for Clinical Microbiology and the Assistant Clinical Professor of the Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine.
MNGA

Hot Stocks

07:33 EDT MagneGas announces 150% improvement in MagneGas2 production rates - MagneGas announced that since the introduction of Butanol as a feedstock, further procedural and equipment improvements have been implemented yielding over a 150% improvement in MagneGas2 production rates and a 50% reduction in production costs. As announced in April 2017, MagneGas has switched from soybean oil to butanol as a feedstock of MagneGas2 which yielded immediate improvements in cost and productivity.
ONCE

Hot Stocks

07:32 EDT Spark Therapeutics submits MAA to EMA for Luxturna - Spark Therapeutics announced that it has submitted a Marketing Authorization Application to the European Medicines Agency for Luxturna, the proposed trade name for voretigene neparvovec, an investigational, one-time gene therapy for the treatment of patients with vision loss due to Leber congenital amaurosis or retinitis pigmentosa caused by confirmed biallelic RPE65 mutations. The MAA includes data from three clinical trials that enrolled 41 participants with RPE65-mediated inherited retinal dystrophy, including the first randomized, controlled Phase 3 trial for a gene therapy for a genetic disease. Once EMA has validated the application, the review period will begin. Spark Therapeutics has previously received orphan product designations for Luxturna from EMA for the treatment of both Leber congenital amaurosis and retinitis pigmentosa.
ARAY

Hot Stocks

07:31 EDT Accuray receives FDA clearance for its iDMS Data Management System - Accuray announced it has received 510 clearance from the FDA for its iDMS Data Management System, enabling its use with the Company's TomoTherapy platform. It's designed to integrate with a wide range of technologies, including the Radixact, TomoTherapy and CyberKnife Systems, Accuray Precision Treatment Planning System, and third-party treatment planning and oncology information systems. The iDMS System is a centralized database that shares and makes data accessible between multiple Accuray treatment delivery systems.
MCBC

Hot Stocks

07:31 EDT Macatawa Bank raises quarterly dividend to 5c per share from 4c per share - Macatawa Bank announced that its board has declared a quarterly cash dividend of 5c per share on its common stock to be paid on August 30, to shareholders of record on August 15. This quarter's dividend payment represents a 25% increase from the previous quarterly dividend rate of 4c per share and is the second increase this year.
FLKS

Hot Stocks

07:31 EDT Flex Pharma names William McVicar as president and CEO - Flex Pharma announced that the Board of Directors has appointed William McVicar, Ph.D., as President and CEO. McVicar joined Flex Pharma in April as President of Research & Development. In June, McVicar was appointed interim President and CEO with Christoph Westphal, M.D., Ph.D. continuing to serve as Chairman of the Board of Flex Pharma. "Following a thorough search process, Bill emerged as the best leader for the company as it enters this important phase of clinical execution," said Dr. Rod MacKinnon, Nobel laureate and Flex Pharma Scientific Co-Founder, Board Member, and Scientific Advisory Board Co-Chair. "Flex Pharma is well positioned for clinical and operational success. I have full confidence in Bill to lead the continued advancement of our potentially life-altering therapies through the necessary regulatory pathways and ultimately deliver to the patients who currently have no safe and effective options."
ICPT

Hot Stocks

07:21 EDT Intercept announces Phase 2 AESOP trial met primary endpoint - Intercept Pharmaceuticals announced that the Phase 2 AESOP trial evaluating obeticholic acid, or OCA, for the treatment of patients with primary sclerosing cholangitis, PSC, met its primary endpoint. Patients who initiated OCA 5 mg with the option to titrate to 10 mg achieved a statistically significant reduction in alkaline phosphatase, or ALP, as compared to placebo. AESOP is a 24-week, double-blind, placebo-controlled, dose-ranging trial evaluating the efficacy and safety of OCA compared to placebo in 77 patients with PSC, followed by a two-year long term safety extension, or LTSE, open-label phase which is currently ongoing. Patients were randomized to one of three treatment groups: placebo, OCA 1.5 - 3 mg, and OCA 5 - 10 mg. Approximately half the patients were receiving ursodeoxycholic acid, or UDCA, treatment at baseline and continued on a stable dose during the trial. The primary endpoint of the study was the change in ALP relative to placebo at week 24 for the OCA 5 - 10 mg group. Results for the intent-to-treat population are shown below.
ICPT

Hot Stocks

07:20 EDT Intercept announces results from Control trial - Intercept Pharmaceuticals announced results from CONTROL, a placebo-controlled trial to prospectively characterize the lipid metabolic effects of obeticholic acid, or OCA, and concomitant statin administration in patients with nonalcoholic steatohepatitis, or NASH, with fibrosis or cirrhosis. The CONTROL trial met its primary objective by showing that newly initiated treatment with atorvastatin rapidly reversed OCA-associated increases in LDL to below baseline levels. Most of the effect was observed four weeks after initiation of the lowest available dose of atorvastatin and was sustained throughout the study period. CONTROL is a 16-week double-blind, placebo-controlled, dose-ranging study of 84 NASH patients with fibrosis and compensated cirrhosis, followed by a two-year long term safety extension, or LTSE, open label phase which is currently ongoing. Lipid changes were assessed every four weeks over the course of the double-blind phase.
AVOL BA

Hot Stocks

07:15 EDT Avolon reports owned, managed, committed fleet at Q2 end of 921 aircraft - Avolon (AVOL) issues an update for Q2. Following another active quarter, Avolon's owned, managed and committed fleet at the end of Q2 was 921 aircraft. Highlights of the quarter included: Completion of acquisition of the aircraft leasing business of CIT for $10.4B, doubling the scale of the Avolon business; Signed memorandum of understanding for 75 Boeing (BA) 737 MAX 8 aircraft valued at $8.4B at current list prices with an option for a further 50 Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft; Delivered a total of 23 aircraft, including 6 redeliveries, and sold 8 aircraft; Completed a total of 21 lease transactions in the quarter comprising new aircraft leases, secondary leases and lease extensions; Owned & managed fleet of 574 aircraft at end of Q2; Owned, managed & committed fleet of 921 aircraft at end of Q2.
QURE

Hot Stocks

07:13 EDT uniQure reacquires rights hemophilia B gene therapy in Europe - uniQure announced that it has entered into an agreement with Chiesi Group to reacquire the rights to co-develop and commercialize its hemophilia B gene therapy in Europe and other select territories and to terminate their co-development and license agreement.
RARX

Hot Stocks

07:12 EDT RA Pharmaceuticals receives orphan drug designation from FDA for RA101495 - Ra Pharmaceuticals announced that the U.S. FDA has granted Orphan Drug Designation to RA101495 for the treatment of paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria. Ra Pharma is a clinical stage biopharmaceutical company focusing on the development of next-generation therapeutics for the treatment of complement-mediated diseases. RA101495, the company's lead clinical candidate, is a synthetic macrocyclic peptide inhibitor of complement component 5. The molecule is currently in Phase 2 clinical development as a self-administered subcutaneous injection for the treatment of PNH, a rare, chronic, life-threatening blood disorder where red blood cells are attacked and destroyed by the complement system. RA101495 received Orphan Drug Designation for the treatment of PNH in Europe in November 2016.
BWEN

Hot Stocks

07:12 EDT Broadwind Energy appoints Jason Bonfigt as CFO - Broadwind Energy announced that Jason Bonfigt, has been appointed CFO and Treasurer, effective August 7. Bonfigt currently serves as the company's Vice President and Corporate Controller. Stephanie Kushner, who has held both CFO and CEO roles since May of 2016, will remain President and CEO of the company.
CUB

Hot Stocks

07:11 EDT Cubic receives contract extensiton for Clipper card services - Cubic Transportation Systems, a business unit of Cubic Corporation, announced a contract extension of up to five years from the Metropolitan Transportation Commission for operations and maintenance services supporting the regional Clipper card fare payment system in the San Francisco Bay Area. The extended contract period is from November 2019 to November 2024, and is valued at approximately $25M per year. MTC plans to upgrade the Clipper system with new fare technologies, such as mobile payment. Cubic's contract extension will support Clipper through the transition to the next-generation system. Under the contract, Cubic will continue to support MTC and its regional partners for the Clipper system. Cubic operates the customer call center, Clipper card fulfillment and distribution, technical help desk, retail merchant network, and the transit benefits system for employer/employee management of transit subsidies.
MSI

Hot Stocks

07:09 EDT Motorola Solutions files proceedings in Australia against Hytera Communications - Motorola Solutions announced that it has commenced patent infringement proceedings against Hytera Communications of Shenzhen, China and Hytera Communications Australia in the Federal Court of Australia by filing an Originating Application and Statement of Claim. This legal action follows the patent infringement and trade secret misappropriation complaints filed by Motorola Solutions against Hytera in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois on March 14, 2017; the patent infringement complaint filed with the U.S. International Trade Commission on March 29, 2017; and the patent infringement complaints filed with the Regional Court of Dusseldorf in Germany on April 18, 2017 and with the Regional Court of Mannheim in Germany on July 24, 2017. The Statement of Claim filed on July 31, 2017 asserts that certain Hytera digital mobile radios offered in Australia infringe three of Motorola Solutions' Australian patents, AU2005275355, AU2006276960 and AU2009298764. Motorola Solutions seeks a declaration from the Court that Hytera has infringed Motorola Solutions' patents and an order permanently restraining Hytera from continued infringement, as well as damages and such additional relief as the Court deems appropriate.
BMY CLVS

Hot Stocks

07:08 EDT Bristol-Myers, Clovis announce collaboration to evaluate Opdivo, Rubraca - Bristol-Myers Squibb (BMY) and Clovis Oncology (CLVS) announced the companies have entered into a clinical collaboration agreement to evaluate the combination of Bristol-Myers Squibb's immunotherapy Opdivo and Clovis Oncology's poly polymerase inhibitor Rubraca in pivotal phase 3 clinical trials in: Advanced ovarian cancer: First-line maintenance treatment study to evaluate Rubraca + Opdivo, Rubraca, Opdivo and placebo in newly diagnosed patients with stage III/IV high-grade ovarian, fallopian tube, or primary peritoneal cancer who have completed platinum-based chemotherapy. Advanced triple-negative breast cancers: First-line maintenance treatment study to evaluate Rubraca + Opdivo, Rubraca, Opdivo and chemotherapy in patients with stage IV or recurrent locally advanced inoperable TNBC associated with a homologous recombination deficiency. The collaboration will also include a Phase 2 study to evaluate the safety and efficacy of Opdivo in combination with Rubraca in patients with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer. The Opdivo + Rubraca combination in mCRPC will be conducted as an arm of a larger Bristol-Myers Squibb-sponsored study. The planned multi-arm clinical trials will be conducted in the U.S., Europe, and possibly additional countries. Clovis will be the study sponsor and conducting party for the ovarian cancer study and Bristol-Myers Squibb will be the study sponsor and conducting party for the breast and prostate cancer studies. Specific terms of the agreement were not disclosed. All three studies are expected to begin before the end of 2017.
SSRI

Hot Stocks

07:08 EDT Silver Standard changes name to SSR Mining - The company said "Silver Standard Resources announced that we have filed a notice of alteration to change our name to SSR Mining effective August 1. Shareholders approved a special resolution to change the name at our Annual and Special Meeting of Shareholders held May 4. On August 1, 2017, our domain name will change to www.ssrmining.com and visitors to our current website address and communication to our current electronic mail addresses will be redirected. Our shares will continue to trade under our existing ticker symbols on the NASDAQ Capital Markets and the Toronto Stock Exchange until the SSR Mining ticker symbol "SSRM" becomes effective, which is expected on or about August 3."
BRKR

Hot Stocks

07:07 EDT Bruker announces FDA clearance of expanded 3rd claim for MALDI Biotyper-CA - Bruker announces that it has received FDA clearance for its third, further expanded claim for the market-leading MALDI Biotyper-CA system for fast, accurate and cost-effective microbial identification. The new claim includes a significant expansion of the microbial reference library for clinical microbiology, by adding 144 new species covering anaerobes, gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria, as well as yeasts. The library coverage of the MALDI Biotyper-CA now includes 424 microbial species in 333 different groups that are FDA-cleared for the US clinical microbiology market. This further significantly increases the clinical utility of the MBT.
AMZN

Hot Stocks

07:07 EDT Amazon says small businesses, entrepreneurs sold more than 2B items in 1H17 - Amazon announced that small businesses and entrepreneurs on Amazon sold more than 2 billion items in a record-breaking first half of 2017. With more than 300 million active customers, Amazon offers small businesses the opportunity to reach shoppers in more than 180 countries around the world. Small businesses are also able to use Amazon's world-class fulfillment and customer service expertise through Fulfillment by Amazon.
ADUS

Hot Stocks

07:05 EDT Addus HomeCare appoints Laurie Manning as Chief Human Resources - Addus HomeCare announced the hiring of Laurie Manning as the Company's Executive Vice President, Chief Human Resource Officer, effective August 14. Manning brings over 25 years of experience working with dispersed healthcare workforces to Addus. Previously, she was the Vice President, Human Resources for Dallas-based Epic Health Services, which provides home health services for medically fragile children and adults in 21 states and which she joined in 2012. Previously, she served at Humana for two years as Human Capital Leader, Human Resources and 17 years with Concentra, a provider of a range of healthcare services through over 300 medical center locations in 40 states and 140 onsite medical facilities, for whom Manning most recently served for five years as Vice President, Human Resources, East Region.
ETRM

Hot Stocks

07:05 EDT EnteroMedics receives approval for Gastric Vest System clinical study in Spain - EnteroMedics announced that the company has received approval from the Ministry of Health, Social Services, and Equality in Spain through the Agency of Medicines and Medical Devices, and the CEIC Ethics Committee to initiate a clinical trial for the Gastric Vest System in Spain. EnteroMedics expects the safety and performance CE Mark study for the Gastric Vest to include a total of between 50-100 patients at up to four sites within the European Union. This approval by the MHSSE in Spain represents the first country approval for the Gastric Vest CE Mark trial. The clinical trial in Spain will be conducted under the supervision of Principal Investigator, Dr. Jordi Pujol Gebelli, and Co-Investigator, Dr. Amador Garcia Ruiz de Gordejuela at Hospital Universitari de Bellvitge, in Barcelona, Spain. Enrollment is expected to begin by early 2018.
ETSY

Hot Stocks

07:04 EDT Etsy appoints Mike Fisher as CTO - Etsy announced it has appointed Mike Fisher as CTO, effective immediately. Mike brings over 20 years of experience to Etsy. He will report directly to Josh Silverman, Etsy's CEO, and join Etsy's executive team. As CTO, Mike will be responsible for evolving our technology strategy, scaling our IT systems and infrastructure, deepening our machine learning expertise, and driving execution on our roadmap to help create the world's best buying and selling experience. Mike's distinguished and diverse experience spans from Fortune 500 companies to startups. Most recently, he was the co-founder and managing partner of the consulting firm AKF Partners. During this time, he advised Etsy on several key projects.
REPH

Hot Stocks

07:03 EDT Recro Pharma submits new drug application for IV Meloxicam 30mg - Recro Pharma announced it has submitted a NDA to the FDA for its lead investigational product candidate intravenous meloxicam 30mg for the treatment of moderate to severe, acute postoperative pain. The IV meloxicam 30mg NDA is supported by positive results from two pivotal Phase III clinical efficacy trials in patients following bunionectomy and abdominoplasty surgeries, a large double-blind Phase III safety trial and four Phase II clinical trials for the management of moderate to severe postoperative pain, among others.
BMY CLVS

Hot Stocks

07:03 EDT Bristol-Myers and Clovis to evaluate combination of Opdivo and Rubraca - Bristol-Myers Squibb (BMY) and Clovis Oncology (CLVS) announced the companies have entered into a clinical collaboration agreement to evaluate the combination of Bristol-Myers Squibb's immunotherapy Opdivo and Clovis Oncology's poly, or ADP-ribose, polymerase, or PARP, inhibitor Rubraca in pivotal phase 3 clinical trials.First in advanced ovarian cancer: First-line maintenance treatment study to evaluate Rubraca + Opdivo, Rubraca, Opdivo and placebo in newly diagnosed patients with stage III/IV high-grade ovarian, fallopian tube, or primary peritoneal cancer who have completed platinum-based chemotherapy. Second in advanced triple-negative breast cancers, orTNBC: First-line maintenance treatment study to evaluate Rubraca + Opdivo, Rubraca, Opdivo and chemotherapy in patients with stage IV or recurrent locally advanced inoperable TNBC associated with a homologous recombination deficiency, or HRD. The collaboration will also include a Phase 2 study to evaluate the safety and efficacy of Opdivo in combination with Rubraca in patients with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer. The Opdivo + Rubraca combination in mCRPC will be conducted as an arm of a larger Bristol-Myers Squibb-sponsored study. The planned multi-arm clinical trials will be conducted in the U.S., Europe, and possibly additional countries. Clovis will be the study sponsor and conducting party for the ovarian cancer study and Bristol-Myers Squibb will be the study sponsor and conducting party for the breast and prostate cancer studies.
ALR

Hot Stocks

07:03 EDT Alere unit receives FDA clearance for SEFRIA Fentanyl Urine drug screening test - Immunalysis Corporation, a division of Alere, announced that its SEFRIA Fentanyl Urine Enzyme Immunoassay has been granted 510(k) clearance by the U.S. FDA for the qualitative detection of fentanyl in urine. The SEFRIA Fentanyl Urine Enzyme Immunoassay is the first ever 510(k) cleared fentanyl enzyme immunoassay and is the first analyte utilizing Immunalysis' proprietary SEFRIA technology.
AZN

Hot Stocks

07:02 EDT AstraZeneca says Imfinzi granted breakthrough therapy designation by FDA - AstraZeneca and MedImmune, its global biologics research and development arm, announced that the FDA has granted Breakthrough Therapy Designation for IMFINZI, an anti-PD-L1 monoclonal antibody, being investigated for the treatment of patients with locally advanced, unresectable non-small cell lung cancer whose disease has not progressed following platinum-based chemoradiation therapy. The Breakthrough Therapy Designation for durvalumab was granted on the basis of interim results from the Phase III PACIFIC trial, a randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled multi-center trial of durvalumab as sequential treatment in patients with locally-advanced, unresectable NSCLC who had not progressed following standard platinum-based chemotherapy concurrent with radiation therapy. This achievement is the fourth Breakthrough Therapy Designation AstraZeneca has received from the FDA for medicines in Oncology over the past three years and the second for durvalumab. In May 2017, AstraZeneca received accelerated approval from the FDA for IMFINZI for the treatment of patients with locally advanced or metastatic urothelial carcinoma, who have disease progression during or following platinum-containing chemotherapy, or whose disease has progressed within 12 months of receiving platinum-containing chemotherapy before or after surgery. IMFINZI is approved under the FDA's accelerated approval pathway, based on tumor response rate and duration of response. Continued approval for this indication may be contingent upon verification and description of clinical benefit in confirmatory trials. Data from the PACIFIC trial have been submitted for presentation at a forthcoming medical meeting. Durvalumab is also being tested in for the treatment of NSCLC in the adjuvant setting in the ADJUVANT Phase III trial. In the Stage IV 1st-line setting for patients with advanced NSCLC, durvalumab as monotherapy and in combination with tremelimumab, an anti-CTLA-4 monoclonal antibody, is being tested in the MYSTIC, NEPTUNE and PEARL Phase III trials. The POSEIDON trial is evaluating durvalumab with and without tremelimumab in combination with chemotherapy.
DISCA SNI

Hot Stocks

06:55 EDT Discovery to acquire Scripps for $90 per share in cash and stock deal - Discovery Communications (DISCA) and Scripps Networks Interactive (SNI) announced that they have signed a definitive agreement for Discovery to acquire Scripps in a cash-and-stock transaction valued at $14.6B, or $90 per share, based on Discovery's Friday, July 21 closing price. The purchase price represents a premium of 34% to Scripps' unaffected share price as of Tuesday, July 18, 2017. The transaction is expected to close by early 2018. Combined, Discovery and Scripps will have nearly 20% share of ad-supported pay-TV audiences in the U.S. Additionally, the combined company will be home to five of the top pay-TV networks for women and will account for over 20% share of women watching primetime pay-TV in the U.S. The combination is expected to create significant cost synergies, estimated at approximately $350M. The deal is expected to be accretive to adjusted EPS and to Free Cash Flow in the first year after close. Scripps shareholders will receive $90 per share under the terms of the agreement, comprised of $63.00 per share in cash and $27.00 per share in Class C Common shares of Discovery stock, based on Discovery's Friday, July 21 closing price. The stock portion will be subject to a collar based on the volume weighted average price of Discovery Class C Common Shares over the 15 trading days ending on the third trading day prior to closing. Scripps shareholders will receive 1.2096 Discovery Class C Common shares if the Average Discovery Price is below $22.32, and 0.9408 Discovery Class C Common shares if the Average Discovery Price is above $28.70. If the Average Discovery Price is greater than or equal to $22.32 but less than or equal to $28.70, Scripps shareholders will receive a number of shares between 1.2096 and 0.9408 equal to $27.00 in value. If the Average Discovery Price is between $22.32 and $25.51, Discovery has the option to pay additional cash instead of issuing more shares. Scripps shareholders will have the option to elect to receive their consideration in cash, stock or the mixture described above, subject to pro rata cut backs to the extent cash or stock is oversubscribed. This purchase price implies a total transaction value of $14.6 billion, including the assumption of Scripps' net debt of approximately $2.7 billion. Post-closing, Scripps' shareholders will own approximately 20% of Discovery's fully diluted common shares and Discovery's shareholders will own approximately 80%. Kenneth Lowe, Chairman, President & CEO, Scripps Networks is expected to join Discovery's board following the close of the transaction.
INSY

Hot Stocks

06:51 EDT Insys Therapeutics announces availability of Syndros - Insys Therapeutics announced that SYNDROS, a proprietary, orally administered liquid formulation of dronabinol, CII, is now available for health care professionals to prescribe. SYNDROS is a liquid formulation of the pharmaceutical cannabinoid dronabinol.
DISCA SNI

Hot Stocks

06:50 EDT Discovery to acquire Scripps Networks for $14.6B
CBU

Hot Stocks

06:49 EDT Community Bank System reports Q2 net charge-offs $1.1M - Reports Q2 net charge-offs $1.1M, compared to $1.4M for the Q2 of 2016 and $2.0M for the Q1. reprots Q2 provision for loan losses of $1.5M was $800,000 lower than the Q2 of FY16, and $400,000 lower than the Q1. The allowance for loan losses to nonperforming loans was 207% at June 30 compared with the 206% and 193% levels at the end of the Q1.
LOXO

Hot Stocks

06:47 EDT Loxo Oncology to acquire BTK inhibitor program from Redx Pharma - Loxo Oncology announced that the company has entered into a definitive agreement to purchase the Bruton's tyrosine kinase inhibitor program from Redx Pharma. The lead candidate from this program is expected to enter clinical development in 2018. Under the terms of the agreement, Loxo Oncology has made a $40M payment to Redx Pharma for the full acquisition of the BTK discovery program, including lead candidate LOXO-305. Loxo Oncology is not subject to milestone or royalty obligations. LOXO-305 was designed to reversibly bind BTK and preserve activity in the presence of the C481S acquired resistance mutation. Additionally, it was designed to avoid off-target kinases that have complicated the development of both covalent and reversible BTK inhibitors, such as EGFR, BMX, TEC, ITK, BLK, LCK and SRC. LOXO-305 will be entering studies in the coming months to enable submission of an Investigational New Drug application in 2018.
HSBC

Hot Stocks

06:45 EDT HSBC announces $2B share buyback program - HSBC said its board has determined to return to shareholders up to a further $2B by way of a share buyback which is expected to commence shortly and complete in the second half of 2017. This takes announced buybacks since the second half of 2016 to $5.5B.
LH

Hot Stocks

06:41 EDT LabCorp to acquire Chiltern for $1.2B in cash - LabCorp and Chiltern announced that LabCorp will acquire Chiltern pursuant to a definitive agreement with Chiltern's shareholders in an all-cash transaction valued at approximately $1.2 billion. Once the transaction is complete, Chiltern will become part of LabCorp's Covance segment. It has more than 4,500 employees around the world, including Asia-Pacific, and has conducted more than 1,800 studies across 87 countries in the last five years. Chiltern is a leading CRO among emerging-to-mid biopharma customers, with forecasted 2017 revenue and adjusted EBITDA of approximately $550 million and $95 million, respectively, and backlog of approximately $1B. The transaction meets LabCorp's financial criteria. Excluding one-time costs relating to the transaction and with the benefit of cost synergies, the company expects it to be accretive to adjusted earnings per share and free cash flow in year one, and to earn its cost of capital by year three. The transaction is subject to regulatory approvals and customary closing conditions, and is expected to close in the fourth quarter.
TPC

Hot Stocks

06:37 EDT Tutor Perini awarded two projects valued at $71M by Black Construction - Tutor Perini announced two new projects collectively valued at approximately $71M for Black Construction, or BCC, the company's Guam-based subsidiary. BCC is the largest and longest-serving general contracting company in Guam and provides comprehensive construction services throughout the Western Pacific region.
AL EADSY

Hot Stocks

06:36 EDT Air Lease announces lease placement of four Airbus A330-900neo, one A320-200neo - Air Lease (AL) announced long term lease agreements with TAP Portugal for four new Airbus (EADSY) 330-900neo and one new A320-200neo aircraft. The A330neo aircraft are outfitted with latest-generation Rolls-Royce Trent 7000 engines, and the A320neo is outfitted with the latest CFM LEAP1A engines. All five aircraft are from ALC's order book with Airbus, and are scheduled to deliver between the fourth quarter of 2018 and the third quarter of 2019.
RTEC

Hot Stocks

06:36 EDT Rudolph Technologies reaches patent settlement with Camtek - Rudolph Technologies announced that it has reached a comprehensive patent settlement with Camtek, in the ongoing patent infringement lawsuits between the two companies. Under the terms of the settlement agreement, the parties will dismiss all current litigation matters and Camtek will pay to Rudolph a one-time payment of $13M. The parties have also entered into a covenant not to sue one another related to the three patents at issue in the lawsuits and also not to sue one another for any cause of action for a period of three years anywhere in the world.
NPO

Hot Stocks

06:34 EDT EnPro increases FY17 adjusted EBITDA view from $193M-$198M to $200M-$205M - The company said, "We are encouraged by the positive financial performance in our Sealing Products and Engineered Products segments in the Q2 driven by improved volumes, year-over-year reduction in SG&A costs and improved manufacturing efficiencies. While we experienced year-over-year softness in our Power Systems segment due to production scheduling for key programs and the timing of aftermarket parts orders, we expect improved activity in the second half of the year. Given continued strength in a number of our markets, current macroeconomic forecasts and customer order patterns, and the recent Qualiseal acquisition, we are increasing guidance for 2017 adjusted EBITDA from our previous full-year range of $193M-$198M to a revised full-year range of $200M-$205M. This revised range excludes the impact of further M&A activity, changes in foreign exchange rates from the end of the second quarter, the anticipated gain on the reconsolidation of GST and OldCo, and any second half of the year litigation or environmental charges," said Mr. Macadam.
VSM

Hot Stocks

06:34 EDT Versum Materials, NuMat Technologies enter global, commercial agreement - Versum Materials and NuMat Technologies announced a global, commercial agreement to offer a new line of products for the safe storage and delivery of dopant gases such as arsine, phosphine and boron trifluoride. The new product line is called ION-X and is based on revolutionary Metal Organic Frameworks, which can selectively adsorb, store and safely deliver ultrahigh purity gases at sub-atmospheric pressures. ION-X offers performance advantages over traditional carbon-based adsorbent technology used in the ion implant processes for the manufacture of semiconductor devices.
BLFS CYAD

Hot Stocks

06:34 EDT BioLife Solutions executes supply agreement with Celyad for CryoStor - BioLife Solutions (BLFS) announced that it has executed a long term supply agreement with Celyad (CYAD). BioLife's CryoStor clinical grade cell freeze media is incorporated into Celyad's manufacturing process for its Natural Killer Receptor based T-Cell platform.
BLFS

Hot Stocks

06:33 EDT BioLife Solutions executes supply agreement with Celyad for CryoStor - BioLife Solutions announced that it has executed a long term supply agreement with NASDAQ-listed Celyad, a leader in the discovery and development of CAR-T cell therapies. BioLife's CryoStor clinical grade cell freeze media is incorporated into Celyad's manufacturing process for its Natural Killer Receptor based T-Cell platform.
AERI

Hot Stocks

06:32 EDT Aerie Pharmaceuticals enters research collaboration agreement with DSM - Aerie Pharmaceuticals announced that it has entered into a collaborative research, development and license agreement with DSM. The research collaboration agreement includes an option to license DSM's bioerodible polymer implant technology for evaluating its application to the delivery of certain Aerie compounds, initially focused on retinal diseases. DSM's technology uses polyesteramide polymers (PEA) to produce an injectable, thin fiber that is minute in size. Preclinical experiments have demonstrated early success in conjunction with Aerie compounds, including demonstration of linear sustained elution rates over several months and achievement of target retinal drug concentrations. Aerie previously reported data on Aerie-owned small molecule preclinical product candidate AR-13154, which inhibits Rho kinase and Protein kinase C and thus addresses vascular dysfunction, fibrosis, and inflammation. This molecule has generated lesion size decreases in a preclinical model of wet AMD at levels similar to the market-leading wet AMD anti-VEGF product, and has generated meaningful incremental lesion size reduction when added adjunctively to the anti-VEGF product. Preclinical studies also demonstrated the promising potential of this molecule to reduce neovascularization in a model of proliferative diabetic retinopathy. Pending additional studies, AR-13154 and related compounds may have the potential to provide an entirely new mechanism and pathway to treat these diseases. The terms of the agreement with DSM were not disclosed and the agreement is immaterial to Aerie based on the level of current financial commitments.
LKSD

Hot Stocks

06:31 EDT LSC Communications acquires Fairrington Transportation, terms not disclosed - LSC Communications announced that it has acquired Fairrington Transportation, an industry leading full-service mailing and logistics provider. Fairrington's capabilities include a complete range of logistics services from freight management to postal optimization solutions.
BHVN

Hot Stocks

06:28 EDT Biohaven initiates second pivotal Phase 3 clinical trial of rimegepant - Biohaven Pharmaceutical announced that it has commenced enrollment in the second of its two registrational Phase 3 clinical trials to evaluate the safety and efficacy of its orally-dosed rimegepant for the acute treatment of migraine. Biohaven is conducting two double-blinded, placebo-controlled Phase 3 clinical trials to evaluate the efficacy and safety of 75 mg of rimegepant, Biohaven's innovative, orally-dosed small molecule CGRP receptor antagonist, for the acute treatment of migraine. The co-primary endpoints of the studies are freedom from pain at two hours post-dosing and a demonstrated effect on the patient's most bothersome symptom at two hours post-dosing. Patients in the Phase 3 clinical trials will be eligible to participate in a long-term safety study.
APC

Hot Stocks

06:27 EDT Anadarko reaches significant Mozambique LNG milestone - Anadarko announced that it had finalized two agreements with the Government of Mozambique - together known as the "marine concessions" - which would allow it to design, build and operate the marine facilities for its LNG project in northern Mozambique. This follows the publication of the Mozambican Government Decrees approving those agreements. "This is a key milestone on the path to a final investment decision for our initial two-train LNG project," said Mitch Ingram, Anadarko Executive Vice President, Global LNG. "It marks the completion of the core components of the Legal and Contractual Framework with the Government. We will now look ahead with our plans to begin resettlement, which will enable the construction of the LNG plant. In addition, we continue to make good progress with our efforts to secure long-term LNG Sales and Purchase Agreements with premier buyers, and we will intensify our work to put in place the necessary financing for the project. We expect to take FID once the SPAs and financing are in place."
SOHU

Hot Stocks

06:25 EDT Sohu subsidiary plans confidential submission of draft registration statement - Sohu.com announced that its controlled Internet search services subsidiary Sogou plans to submit on a confidential basis to the SEC a draft registration statement for a possible initial public offering of American depositary shares representing ordinary shares of Sogou. The number and dollar amount of ADSs proposed to be offered and sold have not yet been determined.
T

Hot Stocks

06:09 EDT AT&T makes executive appointments to prepare for Time Warner merger close - AT&T (T) on Friday made several executive appointments in preparation for completing its acquisition of Time Warner (TWX). The transaction is currently under review by the United States Department of Justice and competition authorities in certain foreign countries. Effective August 1, the following executives will assume new positions and will continue to report to AT&T Inc. Chairman and CEO Randall Stephenson: In addition to her responsibilities as Global Marketing Officer, Lori Lee will assume leadership of AT&T International. Lee was previously lead of AT&T's Time Warner Merger Integration Planning Team. John Stankey, will assume the lead of AT&T's Time Warner Merger Integration Planning Team. He will work closely with Time Warner Inc. Chairman and CEO Jeff Bewkes to plan for a smooth leadership transition to Stankey as CEO of AT&T's media company once the merger is complete. Stankey was previously CEO of AT&T Entertainment Group. John Donovan, is named CEO of AT&T Communications, which includes AT&T's Business Solutions, Entertainment Group, and Technology & Operations groups. Donovan was previously Chief Strategy Officer and Group President of AT&T Technology and Operations.
NPO

Hot Stocks

06:09 EDT EnPro completes joint plan of reorganization of subsidiaries - EnPro Industries announced that on July 31 the joint plan of reorganization of certain of EnPro's subsidiaries, including Garlock Sealing Technologies, to resolve their current and future asbestos claims was consummated and became effective. Consummation of the Joint Plan, which was confirmed by the U.S. District Court for the Western District of North Carolina on June 12 effects the substantive conclusion of the asbestos claims resolution process involving GST and EnPro subsidiaries, Garrison Litigation Management Group, The Anchor Packing Company and OldC, the successor by merger to Coltec Industries. Under the Joint Plan, EnPro retained ownership of GST and OldCo and, upon the effectiveness of the Joint Plan, each of these subsidiaries became free to operate its respective business and use, acquire, and dispose of its respective property free of any restrictions of the United States Bankruptcy Code in all respects as if there were no pending cases under any chapter or provision of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code, except for obligations under the Joint Plan, the documents under the Joint Plan and the District Court's confirmation order. As a result, GST and OldCo have been reconsolidated with EnPro for financial reporting purposes as of July 31.
CNA

Hot Stocks

06:07 EDT CNA Financial raises dividend by 20% to 30c per share - CNA Financial declared a quarterly dividend of 30c per share, payable August 30, to stockholders of record on August 14.
TPC

Hot Stocks

06:06 EDT Tutor Perini Guam-based subsidiary announces two contracts valued at $71M - Tutor Perini announced two new projects collectively valued at approximately $71M for Black Construction Corporation, or BCC, the Company's Guam-based subsidiary. BCC is being awarded a contract to widen Route 3 between Route 28 and Chalan Kareta. Construction is expected to begin in October 2017 with substantial completion anticipated in the fourth quarter of 2019. The contract value is $44M and is expected to be included in the Company's reported Q3 backlog. BCC was awarded another contract for the construction of new pipelines from the main pump house at the Diego Garcia Wharf to the Deep Draft Wharf, as well as construction of new fuel pits, including the expansion of the existing main pump house, new pumps, filters, motors and control systems. Construction is expected to begin in April 2018 after initial mobilization, with substantial completion expected in the Q3 of FY19. The contract value is $27M and is included in the Company's Q2 backlog.
JAKK AMZN

Hot Stocks

06:05 EDT JAKKS Pacific launches JAKKS Care Package on Amazon.com - JAKKS Pacific (JAKK) unveiled the JAKKS Care Package, a unique gift for kids created especially to help alleviate feelings of homesickness. Originally carefully curated with hospitalized children in mind, the JAKKS Care Package delivers fun-in-a-box to kids who are away from home for other reasons too, such as a road trip, weekend away, summer camp stay, or even at a slumber party. Additionally, for every JAKKS Care Package sold, the company's philanthropic arm, JAKKS Cares, will donate a toy to a child in need. The JAKKS Care Package retails for $39.99 and can be purchased on Amazon.com. (AMZN)
LH

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06:03 EDT LabCorp to acquire Chiltern for about $1.2B in cash - LabCorpand Chiltern announced that LabCorp will acquire Chiltern pursuant to a definitive agreement with Chiltern's shareholders in an all-cash transaction valued at approximately $1.2B. Once the transaction is complete, Chiltern will become part of LabCorp's Covance segment. Chiltern has a 35-year track record of growth as a provider of clinical services and solutions in multiple key therapeutic areas, with engagement models for biopharmaceutical and medical device companies. It has more than 4,500 employees around the world, including Asia-Pacific, and has conducted more than 1,800 studies across 87 countries in the last five years. Chiltern is a leading CRO among emerging-to-mid biopharma customers, with forecasted 2017 revenue and adjusted EBITDA of approximately $550M and $95M, respectively, and backlog of approximately $1B. The transaction meets LabCorp's financial criteria. Excluding one-time costs relating to the transaction and with the benefit of cost synergies, the company expects it to be accretive to adjusted earnings per share and free cash flow in year one, and to earn its cost of capital by year three. The acquisition is an all-cash transaction, which LabCorp expects to fund with a combination of bank financing and bonds. Following this transaction, LabCorp expects to maintain its investment-grade credit ratings. The transaction is subject to regulatory approvals and customary closing conditions, and is expected to close in the fourth quarter, 2017.
IBA

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06:02 EDT H.I.G. Capital sells Albertville Quality Foods to Bachoco subsidiary - H.I.G. Capital announced the sale of its portfolio company Albertville Quality Foods to OK Foods, a subsidiary of Industrias Bachoco. Albertville is among the largest independent further processors of protein based products. H.I.G. acquired Albertville in 2010 and subsequently completed the strategic add-on acquisition of Sunrise Foods in 2012. Through H.I.G.'s partnership with Albertville's leadership team, the Company made significant improvements in both operations and sales.
LH

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06:00 EDT LabCorp to acquire Chiltern for about $1.2B in cash
GM

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05:56 EDT Charlie Miller, Chris Valasek to join GM's Cruise after leaving Didi, Uber - Charlie Miller and Chris Valasek, who once remotely hacked a Jeep, are joining Cruise, GM's self-driving car company, Valasek confirmed on Twitter. Miller and Valasek, who are leaving Didi and Uber, respectively, will head up Cruise's Autonomous Vehicle security team. Reference Link
MDT CAH

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05:28 EDT Medtronic sees division sale to Cardinal Health 18c dilutive to FY18 EPS - Medtronic (MDT) announced that it has completed the previously announced sale of its Patient Care, Deep Vein Thrombosis (Compression), and Nutritional Insufficiency businesses within the Patient Monitoring & Recovery, or PMR, division of its Minimally Invasive Therapies Group, or MITG, to Cardinal Health (CAH) for $6.1B in cash. The company expects modest dilution on a net basis to its FY18 non-GAAP earnings per share of approximately 18c, given the transaction closed at the beginning of Medtronic's Q2. Medtronic intends to provide historical comparable financials, incorporate the divestiture into its FY18 financial guidance, and discuss the financial impact of the divestiture when it reports its Q1 financial results.