Stockwinners Market Radar for September 25, 2017 - Earnings, Upgrades downgrades, option trades, Best Stock Advisory Service

19:00 EDT Amphastar announces FDA approval of Neostigmine Methylsulfate Injection, USP - Amphastar (AMPH) announced that the U.S. FDA granted approval of its abbreviated new drug application for Neostigmine Methylsulfate Injection, USP, 1mg/mL, 10mL, and 0.5mg/mL, 10mL vial. Amphastar's newly approved product was determined by the FDA to be therapeutically equivalent to Bloxiverz sold in the United States by Avadel (AVDL), with the same active ingredients, route of administration, strength and dosage form. According to IMS Health data, U.S. brand and generic sales of Neostigmine Methylsulfate Injection, USP, 1mg/mL, 10mL, and 0.5mg/mL, 10 mL were approximately $185M for the 12 months ended June 30, 2017. Amphastar anticipates launching its product in the fourth quarter of 2017.

18:52 EDT Amphastar announces FDA approval of Neostigmine Methylsulfate Injection, USP - Amphastar announced that the U.S. FDA granted approval of its abbreviated new drug application for Neostigmine Methylsulfate Injection, USP, 1mg/mL, 10mL, and 0.5mg/mL, 10mL vial. Amphastar's newly approved product was determined by the FDA to be therapeutically equivalent to Bloxiverz sold in the United States by Avadel, with the same active ingredients, route of administration, strength and dosage form. According to IMS Health data, U.S. brand and generic sales of Neostigmine Methylsulfate Injection, USP, 1mg/mL, 10mL, and 0.5mg/mL, 10 mL were approximately $185M for the 12 months ended June 30, 2017. Amphastar anticipates launching its product in the fourth quarter of 2017.

18:17 EDT Senator Collins opposes Graham-Cassidy ACA repeal bill - U.S. Senator Susan Collins announced that she opposes both versions of the health care bill sponsored by Senators Lindsey Graham and Bill Cassidy. "Health care is a deeply personal, complex issue that affects every single one of us and one-sixth of the American economy. Sweeping reforms to our health care system and to Medicaid can't be done well in a compressed time frame, especially when the actual bill is a moving target," Collins said. Publicly traded companies in the space include Aetna (AET), Anthem (ANTM), Centene (CNC), Cigna (CI), Health Net (HNT), Humana (HUM), Molina Healthcare (MOH), UnitedHealth (UNH) and WellCare (WCG).

18:04 EDT CBO: Graham-Cassidy ACA repeal bill to reduced number of insured by 'millions' - The Congressional Budget Office, or CBO, and the staff of the Joint Committee on Taxation have analyzed the direct spending and revenue effects of legislation sponsored by Senators Graham, Cassidy, Heller, and Johnson that would replace certain federal subsidies for health care with block grants to states. Specifically, the agencies analyzed H.R. 1628, an amendment in the nature of a substitute posted on September 25, 2017, on Senator Cassidy's website. In the short time available, rather than provide the point estimates that are typical in such analyses, the agencies have been able to assess only whether any reductions in the deficit stemming from the legislation as a whole and from its two titles individually would exceed certain thresholds and to qualitatively assess its effects on health insurance coverage and market stability. Over the 2017-2026 period, CBO and JCT estimate, the legislation would reduce the on-budget deficit by at least $133B, the projected savings from the House-passed reconciliation bill. Those savings would occur mainly because, under the legislation, outlays from new block grants between 2020 and 2026 would be smaller than the reduction in net federal subsidies for health insurance. Funding would shift away from states that expanded eligibility for Medicaid under the Affordable Care Act and toward states that did not. The number of people with comprehensive health insurance that covers high-cost medical events would be reduced by millions compared with the baseline projections for each year during the decade, CBO and JCT estimate. That number could vary widely depending on how states implemented the legislation, although the direction of the effect is clear. The reduction in the number of insured people relative to the number under current law would result from three main causes. First, enrollment in Medicaid would be substantially lower because of large reductions in federal funding for that program. Second, enrollment in nongroup coverage would be lower because of reductions in subsidies for it. Third, enrollment in all types of health insurance would be lower because penalties for not having insurance would be repealed. Those losses in coverage would be partly offset by enrollment in new programs established by states using the block grants and by somewhat higher enrollment in employment-based insurance. Many of the new programs would probably cover people with characteristics similar to those of people made eligible for Medicaid by the ACA. The decrease in the number of insured people would be particularly large starting in 2020, when the legislation would make major changes to federal funding for Medicaid and the nongroup market. Publicly traded companies in the space include Aetna (AET), Anthem (ANTM), Centene (CNC), Cigna (CI), Health Net (HNT), Humana (HUM), Molina Healthcare (MOH), UnitedHealth (UNH) and WellCare (WCG). Reference Link

17:30 EDT James E. Flynn reports 7.34% passive stake in Glaukos

17:26 EDT Boeing and Qatar Airways announce order valued at $2.16B - Boeing and Qatar Airways announced an order today for two 747-8 Freighters and four 777-300ERs, valued at $2.16B at list prices. The orders were previously unidentified on Boeing's Orders & Deliveries website. The airline also received the first of its 747-8 Freighters at a delivery ceremony. This announcement is the latest milestone in Qatar Airways' relationship with Boeing. The carrier became a launch customer for the 777X in 2013, was the first to operate the 787 in the Middle East and has 20 737 MAX airplanes on order. Qatar Airways currently operates a fleet of nearly 100 Boeing widebody airplanes and has more than 100 additional Boeing airplanes on order.

17:02 EDT TechnipFMC implements share repurchase of up to $500M - TechnipFMC announced the implementation of a share repurchase program on the New York Stock Exchange and Euronext Paris, where TechnipFMC's ordinary shares are traded, as previously approved by its Board of Directors on April 25, 2017. TechnipFMC has appointed an investment services provider in order to implement the Share Repurchase Program. Under the Share Repurchase Program, TechnipFMC is authorized to repurchase up to $500M of its ordinary shares by the end of 2018, which as of 25 September 2017 represents a maximum of 18,504,811 shares based on the NYSE closing share price on such date. The Share Repurchase Program is in accordance with the authorization granted by TechnipFMC's shareholder on January 11, 2017, which is valid for a period of five years from that date. TechnipFMC does not currently hold any treasury shares and all ordinary shares repurchased under the Share Repurchase Program will be cancelled and not held as treasury shares. The objective of the Share Repurchase Program is to reduce TechnipFMC's issued share capital.

16:52 EDT L3 Technologies files protest with GAO related to Fort Rucker contract - L3 Technologies announced that it has filed a protest with the United States Government Accountability Office, GAO, related to the Fort Rucker Aviation Maintenance and Support contract. L3 has served as the incumbent contractor at Fort Rucker since 2003, where it has successfully supported this critical military training mission. "We are convinced our proposal represents the best value to both the military and the U.S. taxpayers," said Christopher E. Kubasik, L3's President and Chief Operating Officer. "We look forward to the GAO's review." L3's Senior Vice President and President of its Aerospace Systems business segment, Mark Von Schwarz, echoed Mr. Kubasik's comments and added, "L3 remains fully committed to serving the U.S. Army and Air Force at Fort Rucker, and the protest will not affect current operations." Notwithstanding the company's protest, as a result of the Fort Rucker recompetition loss, the company expects to record an impairment charge during the quarter ending September 29, for a substantial portion of the Vertex Aerospace business goodwill asset of $187M. The company is currently assessing the impact of the recompetition loss on the fair value of Vertex, which will ultimately determine the goodwill impairment charge.

16:45 EDT Adecoagro refinances majority of debt - Adecoagro announced proactive steps to continue enhancing its ability to manage and allocate capital more efficiently, to strengthen its balance sheet and to improve its long term financial flexibility. Adecoagro's long-term strategic priorities have been consistently focused on four core areas: Bolster position as the lowest-cost agricultural producer globally; Generate sustainable margins and cash flows across commodities cycle; Deepen focus on sustainability and operational efficiency; and continue to strengthen the balance sheet. On September 21, 2017, Adecoagro closed its offering of $500M aggregate principal of its 6.000% senior notes due 2027. The notes are guaranteed on a senior unsecured basis by certain of the company's subsidiaries. The company will use the proceeds from the offering to repay existing debt and for general corporate purposes.

16:40 EDT Genocea announces strategic shift to immuno-oncology, to cut workforce by 40% - Genocea Biosciences announced a strategic shift to immuno-oncology and a focus on the development of neoantigen cancer vaccines, including GEN-009, its lead candidate for which it expects to file an Investigational New Drug application by early 2018. Genocea also announced it is exploring strategic alternatives for GEN-003, its Phase 3-ready investigational immunotherapy for the treatment of genital herpes. Consequently, Genocea is ceasing GEN-003 spending and activities and is reducing its workforce by approximately 40%. Genocea has confidence that it is positioned for leadership in the development of neoantigen cancer vaccines through its unique antigen identification capabilities and vaccinology expertise. More specifically, the company believes that antigen selection is a crucial determinant of neoantigen vaccine efficacy and that previously presented head-to-head data show that ATLAS, the only platform to comprehensively identify the actual neoantigens to which a patient's CD4+ and CD8+ T cells respond, is a superior approach for identifying neoantigens for personalized vaccines compared to methods used by others developing similar products. The company plans to initiate a Phase 1 clinical trial for GEN-009 in a range of tumor types in the first half of 2018 and expects to report initial immunogenicity data in the first half of 2019. GEN-009 is an adjuvanted peptide vaccine designed to direct a patient's T cells to attack their tumor. Antigens in a patient's vaccine are selected by Genocea's proprietary ATLAS platform. As a result of the workforce restructuring, which is anticipated to be completed by the end of the third quarter, Genocea estimates annualized savings of approximately $6.5M in personnel-related costs, with estimated one-time severance and related costs of approximately $1.1M in the third quarter of 2017. Genocea now expects that its existing cash and cash equivalents are sufficient to support its operating expenses and capital expenditure requirements into the middle of 2018.

16:36 EDT Constellation Brands plans commercial paper program - Constellation Brands announced that it plans to launch a commercial paper program pursuant to which it will offer and sell unsecured, unsubordinated notes, on a private placement basis, in reliance on an exemption from registration under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended. The notes will not be redeemable prior to maturity or subject to voluntary prepayment. The proceeds of the notes will be used for general corporate purposes.

16:35 EDT Actua trading resumes

16:33 EDT Navistar sees several new product offerings, integrations with Volkswagen - Navistar (NAV) announced it expects a number of new product offerings and integrations with alliance partner Volkswagen (VLKAY) Truck & Bus, including plans to develop an electric-powered, medium-duty vehicle for the company's Core U.S. and Canada market. "Our alliance with Volkswagen Truck & Bus is allowing us to move much more quickly into electric propulsion thanks to our ability to leverage their technology investments and components in segments of the market where we're already a leader," said Troy A. Clarke, chairman, president and CEO, Navistar. "We believe the Class 6/7 vehicle is ideal for electric powertrain solutions in the near term, given its abundance of packaging space, and that these vehicles typically run short distances and can depot to recharge at the end of the day." Navistar expects to be in a position to launch its first medium-duty electric powered vehicle in late 2019 or early 2020. In preparation for the next greenhouse gas emission regulations globally, the maker of International Trucks and IC Buses also confirmed that it is collaborating with its alliance partner on introducing fully integrated, next-generation diesel big bore powertrains for North America launching in 2021.

16:32 EDT Air Worldwide estimates insured losses for Hurricane Maria between $40B-$85B - Catastrophe modeling firm AIR Worldwide, a Verisk business, estimates industry insured losses for Hurricane Maria in the Caribbean will be between $40B and $85B. Puerto Rico alone accounts for more than 85% of the loss. Note that AIR's estimates include demand surge, which is the increase in the cost of labor and materials that is often observed in the aftermath of major catastrophes. Demand surge translates to an increase in the cost of rebuilding that ultimately results in higher insured losses than would otherwise be the case. AIR's modeled insured loss estimates also include insured physical damage to onshore property and autos due to wind and precipitation-induced flooding; insured loss to contents; losses due to business interruption; losses to industrial facilities; and additional living expenses for residential claims. AIR's estimates do not include losses to infrastructure; losses from hazardous waste cleanup, vandalism, or civil commotion whether directly or indirectly caused by the event; losses to offshore properties, pleasure boats, and marine craft; losses resulting from the compromise of existing defenses; and losses to uninsured properties.

16:30 EDT PDC Energy to acquire Bayswater assets for roughly $210M in cash - PDC Energy announced that it has entered into a Purchase and Sale Agreement to acquire certain assets from Bayswater Exploration & Production, LLC, and certain related parties, for approximately $210M in cash, subject to certain post-closing adjustments. The company also entered into an Acreage Exchange Agreement with another Wattenberg operator to consolidate certain acreage positions. Both the Acquisition and the Acreage Trade are located in the Core Wattenberg field in Weld County, Colorado, and result in two newly consolidated acreage positions known as the 'Prairie Area' and the 'Plains Area'. PDC anticipates these two new consolidated areas, along with its Kersey Area, to be the primary focus of its ongoing development efforts. The Acquisition consists of approximately 8,300 net acres together with current net production of approximately 2,200 barrels of oil equivalent per day, of which approximately 60 percent is crude oil. The Company estimates the Acquisition will add an incremental 240 gross drilling locations as well as increase the working interests in nearly 60 existing PDC locations. Also included are 30 operated drilled uncompleted wells. The newly acquired acreage, combined with the Company's existing acreage, is expected to result in a consolidated position of approximately 30,000 net acres in the Middle and Outer Core areas of the Wattenberg Field, and will be referred to as its Prairie Area. The Company anticipates closing this transaction late in the fourth quarter of 2017 and funding the acquisition with available cash and debt. Pursuant to the terms of the Acreage Trade, this strategic transaction includes leasehold acreage only, and does not include production, wellbores or existing facilities. PDC expects to receive approximately 11,700 net acres in exchange for approximately 12,100 net acres, subject to title examination and other customary adjustments. The difference in net acres is primarily due to variances in working and net revenue interests. The newly acquired acreage, combined with the Company's existing acreage and portions of a previously announced acreage trade, is expected to result in a consolidated position of approximately 17,500 net acres in the Inner and Middle Core areas of the Wattenberg Field. The Company will refer to this area as its Plains Area and anticipates closing this transaction in the fourth quarter of 2017.

16:25 EDT Genocea trading halted, news pending

16:22 EDT Synnex up 11% to $130.02 after better than expected Q3 results, guidance

16:20 EDT Hushang Ansary reports 8.8% passive stake in Kirby

16:19 EDT Red Hat reports Q1 subscription revenue up 14% in constant currency - Subscription revenue from Infrastructure-related offerings for the quarter was $487M, an increase of 14% in USD year-over-year, and 14% as measured in constant currency. Subscription revenue from Application Development-related and other emerging technology offerings for the quarter was $150M, an increase of 44% in USD year-over-year, or 43% measured in constant currency.

16:17 EDT Cray finishes strategic transaction of Seagate's ClusterStor business - Cray (CRAY) announced it has completed the previously announced transaction and strategic partnership with Seagate (STX) centered around the addition of the ClusterStor high-performance storage business. With the strategic transaction now complete, Cray will continue to sell, support, develop, manufacture, and test ClusterStor storage solutions with Lustre, including the ClusterStor L300, the next-generation ClusterStor L300N and the ClusterStor SL220. "Storage is the fastest-growing part of the expanding HPC market and Cray is positioned to be an even more important player in the storage market," said Steve Conway, senior vice president of research at Hyperion Research. "As a pioneer in providing large-scale storage systems for supercomputers, it's fitting that Cray will take over the ClusterStor line." Cray will also continue to provide support for the ClusterStor product line for existing customers and will collaborate with Seagate to integrate future Seagate technologies into Cray storage products."We are working to provide customers and partners with a seamless transition of the ClusterStor storage business to Cray," said Peter Ungaro, president and CEO of Cray. "With the constant growth of data and the need to move it quickly for data-intensive simulations and artificial intelligence models, the addition of the ClusterStor line enhances an important piece of our product portfolio. With the transition complete, ClusterStor customers and partners will be able to get purpose-built high-performance storage systems with industry-leading price/performance that are designed, manufactured, and supported by Cray and our partners."

16:16 EDT SYNNEX raises quarterly dividend 20% to 30c per share

16:11 EDT 12 West Capital reports 6.5% passive stake in Laureate Education

16:11 EDT Envestnet to acquire FolioDynamix - Envestnet (ENV) announced that it will acquire FolioDynamix, a provider of integrated wealth management technology solutions. FolioDynamix, an Actua (ACTA) company, provides financial institutions, registered investment advisors, and other wealth management clients with an end-to-end technology solution paired with a suite of advisory tools including model portfolios, research, and overlay management services. As of June 30, FolioDynamix platform solutions supported more than 3.2M investor accounts with over $800B in assets. The acquisition will add complementary trading tools as well as commission and brokerage support to Envestnet's existing suite of offerings. Envestnet will acquire FolioDynamix in a cash transaction for $195M, subject to certain closing adjustments. As part of the transaction, Envestnet expects to acquire tax benefits valued at approximately $10M. The transaction will be funded by a combination of cash on Envestnet's balance sheet and borrowings under its revolving credit facility. Envestnet expects the transaction to be modestly accretive to adjusted EBITDA and adjusted net income per share immediately, and to achieve its post-integration financial performance goals, including approximately $20M in identified cost synergies, within 36 months of closing. Cost synergies are expected to result from combining platforms, eliminating redundant functions and spending, and benefiting from increased scale and volume. While Envestnet expects multiple opportunities for cross-selling, these opportunities represent upside and have not been incorporated into the expected financial benefits of this transaction. The transaction is expected to close in Q1 of 2018

16:06 EDT ProQR Therapeutics to present CF study data for QR-010 - ProQR Therapeutics announced positive preliminary top-line results from a Phase 1b safety and tolerability clinical trial. Full data from the trial will be presented at the North American CF Conference on November 2-4.J. Stuart Elborn, the principal investigator of the study, Clinical Chair in Respiratory Medicine at Imperial College, Consultant at Royal Brompton Hospital, and immediate past-president of the European Cystic Fibrosis Society, added, "QR-010 exceeded expectations in this study as an innovative investigational therapy for the treatment of cystic fibrosis for which the need remains high. The improvements demonstrated in reduction of respiratory symptoms are very encouraging and intriguing and of course of enormous importance to people with CF. The results of this study together with the previous proof of concept study are strongly supportive of the further development of QR-010."

16:02 EDT U.S. Physical Therapy announces impact from hurricanes Harvey and Irma - U.S. Physical Therapy announced that the operations of 81 of the company's 567 clinics were affected by hurricanes Harvey and Irma. Because of the high winds, loss of electrical power, flooding and road closures attributed to those severe storms, U.S. Physical Therapy's business was interrupted in large parts of the states of Texas, Florida and Georgia. The preliminary estimate is that more than 7,100 patient visits, representing approximately $635,000 in revenue and gross profit contribution, were lost.

16:00 EDT Actua trading halted, news pending

15:36 EDT Gillette files lawsuit against Edgewell Personal Care for patent infringement - The Procter & Gamble Company (PG), through its wholly owned subsidiary The Gillette Company, filed a patent infringement lawsuit today in the U.S. District Court of Connecticut against Edgewell Personal Care Company (EPC) and several subsidiaries. The lawsuit challenges Edgewell's Hydro Connect 5 razor cartridges, which are sold online and positioned as compatible with Gillette Fusion handles. The lawsuit alleges patent infringement and seeks damages from these infringements. P&G also filed a complaint with the U.S. International Trade Commission seeking an exclusion order to prohibit Edgewell from importing the products into the United States from China. The patent in question is found in the Gillette Fusion Family, one of the most advanced, popular razor families in the world. The patent, which relates to how the razor cartridge and handle connect, was granted to P&G in 2015. The lawsuit alleges that Edgewell violates this patent with two products, Hydro Connect 5 and Hydro Connect 5 Sensitive, which were launched in May of this year.

15:04 EDT Facebook dives after CEO says stock appreciation 'can fully fund' charity - Shares of social media giant Facebook (FB) are diving on Monday after the founder and chief executive officer Mark Zuckerberg ditched plans to create a new class of shares. Zuckerberg also said late Friday that he would sell shares in the company. STOCK RESTRUCTURING: Just days before the Facebook CEO was to appear in court to testify in response to a class action lawsuit which aimed to stymie Facebook's stock shuffling plans, the company announced it was abandoning the idea. The plan, which was announced in April of 2016, would have allowed Zuckerberg to maintain control of the company while staying committed to divesting most of his wealth to philanthropic causes. Google (GOOG, GOOGL) founders Larry Page and Sergey Brin made a similar move in 2014 by creating a three-class share structure. Google created the Class C shares that have no voting rights to fund employee compensation and acquisitions. Dual class shares have been a thorn in the side of investors for years as they are perceived as allowing corporations to be less shareholder friendly. Other companies with dual-class share structures include Zynga (ZNGA) and Groupon (GRPN). ZUCKERBERG CONFIRMS: Late Friday, Facebook officially announced the end of the share reorganization and disclosed that Zuckerberg plans to sell 35M to 75M shares of Facebook stock over the next 18 months in order to fund his philanthropic initiative. In a posting to his personal Facebook page, Zuckerberg commented that his plans for a dual-class were to ensure that he and his wife could do their part to address "global challenges -- like curing all diseases in our children's lifetime and personalizing education for every student." The dual class, according to the CEO, would have allowed him to "keep voting control of Facebook so we can continue to build for the long term, but also allow Priscilla and me to fund the work we're doing through the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative." According to his Facebook post, Zuckerberg feels that the company has a "better" solution now. Zuckerberg sees the share appreciation over the past 18 months, almost 52%, as allowing he and his wife to go forward with their plans to give away 99% of their Facebook shares during their lives. "In fact, we now plan to accelerate our work and sell more of those shares sooner. I anticipate selling 35-75 million Facebook shares in the next 18 months to fund our work in education, science, and advocacy," he said. ELECTION PROBE PRESSURE: Late last week, Facebook said it was turning over thousands of advertisements that may be linked to the alleged Russian attempt to influence last year's US presidential election. During a Facebook live video stream, the Facebook CEO said the company is limited in what the can disclose about law enforcement investigations. "But we support Congress in deciding how to best use this information to inform the public, and we expect the government to publish its findings when their investigation is complete," the company stated. PRICE ACTION: Shares of Facebook are just off session lows, down nearly 5% to $162.39.

15:01 EDT Comtech awarded $4.2M government contract modifications - Comtech Telecommunications announced that its Command & Control Technologies group, which is part of Comtech's Government Solutions segment, was awarded contract modifications totaling $4.2M. Of this amount, $3M was received during its fourth quarter of fiscal 2017 and $1.2M was received during its first quarter of fiscal 2018. This additional funding applies to the original award in April 2017, which today totals $7.7M of the total potential value of the base year. These modifications fulfilled the Government's obligation to fund the Firm Fixed Price portion of the contract.

14:08 EDT AMD, NVIDIA fall after Intel unveils next generation of core processors - Shares of AMD (AMD) and NVIDIA (NVDA), which build technology used for gaming in desktop computers, slipped after peer Intel (INTC) unveiled its latest generation core processor family for desktop. WHAT'S NEW: Before the market open, Intel announced that its new family of 8th Gen Intel Core desktop processors will be available for purchase starting October 5, saying the new family will deliver "premium performance" for PC gaming in particular. Intel noted the new family of processors, along with the Intel Z370 chipset, are "perfect" for gamers and that the 8th Gen Intel Core processors include a new Core i7 desktop processor, which the company calls the "best gaming processor ever" from Intel, as well as the first-ever 6-core Intel Core i5 desktop processor and 4-core Intel Core i3 desktop processor. Such new technology is expected to deliver frame rate improvements of up to 25% compared with 7th Gen Intel Core, Intel added. WELLS FARGO REMAINS BULLISH: Following the announcement, Wells Fargo analyst David Wong maintained an Outperform rating and $45 price target on Intel, saying the rollout of further 8th Generation Intel core processors could help stimulate demand for PCs for the remainder of 2017 and in the first half of 2018. The analyst said he believes the PC end market could continue to improve in 2017 and that Intel's Client Group revenues could be flat to up in 2017, with rising operating margins. Wong noted, however, that company-specific risks for Intel include competition from AMD and rising capital spending. PRICE ACTION: Shares of Intel are down marginally in afternoon trading, while AMD and NVIDIA have slipped 3.4% and 4%, respectively.

13:47 EDT ETF Managers Group reports 7.02% passive stake in SecureWorks

13:33 EDT ReneSola trading resumes

12:43 EDT Citibank, CGML ordered to pay $550,000 penalty by CFTC - The U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission issued an Order filing and simultaneously settling charges against Citibank, N.A. and Citigroup Global Markets Limited, for failing to report Legal Entity Identifier information for swap transactions properly to a Swap Data Repository, failing to establish the electronic systems and procedures necessary to do so, failing to correct errors in LEI data previously reported to an SDR, and failing to perform supervisory duties diligently with respect to LEI swap data reporting, all in violation of CFTC Regulations. The CFTC Order requires Citi to pay a $550,000 civil monetary penalty and to comply with undertakings to improve its LEI swap data reporting. According to the Order, from at least April 2015 to December 2016, Citi failed to report LEIs properly for tens of thousands of swaps. The Order finds that many of Citi's LEI reporting errors stemmed from a design flaw in its swap data reporting systems with respect to swap continuation data. The Order also finds that CBNA and CGML failed to perform their supervisory duties diligently with respect to LEI swap data reporting by failing to enforce existing policies, failing to adequately address compliance with no-action relief where they sought to rely upon such relief, and failing to detect repeated LEI reporting errors.

12:39 EDT Navistar announces collaborationw ith Volkswagen Truck & Bus - Navistar (NAV) announced that it will usher in a new era of Uptime through the industry's newest product line-up at the inaugural North American Commercial Vehicle Show. The company comments, "The alliance between Navistar and Volkswagen Truck and Bus (VLKAY) is allowing both companies to move quickly toward leveraging technology investments and components. The companies are tracking well to the initial plan and cost savings estimates and together both companies are working on 13 major projects and have identified even more areas for collaboration. Together, Navistar and Volkswagen Truck & Bus expect significant synergies from both the strategic technology and supply collaboration and the procurement joint venture."

12:32 EDT Atlas Air, Polar Air Cargo seek preliminary injunction to stop work slowdown - Atlas Air and Polar Air Cargo Worldwide, subsidiaries of Atlas Air Worldwide Holdings, announced they are seeking a preliminary injunction to require the International Brotherhood of Teamsters, the International Brotherhood of Teamsters, Airline Division, and Local Union No. 1224 to meet their obligations under the Railway Labor Act, or RLA, and stop the illegal and intentional work slowdown and service interruptions they are causing. In its filing, the company states the IBT is engaging in an unlawful, concerted work slowdown to gain advantage in pilot contract negotiations currently underway with the IBT. The illegal work slowdown and service interruptions are causing significant flight delays and harm to the company and its valued customers. Atlas plays a major role in the global supply chain on a daily basis by transporting tons of time-sensitive cargo for customers. The company's request for a preliminary injunction was filed in U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia. In its filing, the company states that the IBT has violated its status quo obligations under the RLA by encouraging the slowdown and failing to prevent and discourage it. The company is asking the Court to compel the IBT to stop the illegal work action and return to normal operations. Atlas' customers have been notified of the steps the company is taking to address the work slowdown. Atlas values the contributions of its pilots. The company will continue to negotiate with the IBT for a joint contract for Atlas and Southern Air crewmembers in connection with the pending merger. The company remains committed to completing the bargaining process in a timely manner and in the best interests of all parties.

11:44 EDT Outfront recommended to be awarded New York MTA transit ad concession pacts - According to a regulatory filing, on September 25, 2017, Outfront Media announced that it has been recommended to be awarded the New York Metropolitan Transportation Authority transit advertising concession agreements for subway, commuter rail and buses, subject to the approval of the MTA's board of directors and execution of definitive agreements with the MTA. Shares of Outfront surged 11.7% to $23.50 after the news.

11:10 EDT Unilever gets into hot South Korean beauty market with acquisition - Shares of Unilever (UN, UL) edged higher in morning trading after the company announced plans to buy a Korean skincare company for EUR2.27B. Unilever is a global conglomerate and owner of many household brands, including Ben & Jerry's and Dove soap. CARVER KOREA ACQUISITION: Unilever announced this morning that it will buy Carver Korea, a skincare business in North Asia, for EUR2.27B. Carver Korea is currently owned by Bain Capital and Goldman Sachs (GS), which acquired the company last year. The deal will give Unilever what it called the "fastest-growing skincare business in South Korea" through its AHC brand of "Eye Cream for Face," moisturizers and sun protection. In a statement, Alan Jope, Unilever President Personal Caree, said, "We are delighted to be acquiring Carver Korea. It is an impressive business that is completely aligned to our Personal Care strategy. It will significantly strengthen our position in North Asia, the largest skincare market in the world; and will complement our existing portfolio, enabling us to offer luxury skincare products at attainable price points. AHC has been strongly gaining popularity thanks to its efficacious, innovative and premium products; and it therefore offers great opportunities for growth." Carver Korea joins Unilever's other recent acquisitions in the personal care division, including Dermalogica, Ren, Murad and Living Proof. Last year, Unilever paid $1B to acquire Dollar Shave Club. WHAT'S NOTABLE: Unilever is attempting to overhaul its business following a failed takeover bid from Kraft Heinz (KHC) earlier this year. After rejecting Kraft's $143B buyout proposal this past February, Unilever announced it will restructure parts of its business. As part of the revamp, the company announced its intent to sell its spreads business, which includes Flora margarine and I Can't Believe It's Not Butter. Meanwhile, Korean beauty, or "K-Beauty," has become increasingly popular in recent years, attracting companies like Estee Lauder (EL) and LVMH (LVMUY). PRICE ACTION: Unilever is fractionally higher in morning trading to $57.55.

11:04 EDT SpringWorks launches with $103M in Series A funding, rights to 4 programs - SpringWorks Therapeutics, a mission-driven medicines company dedicated to developing innovative potential new treatments for underserved patient communities, announced its launch with a completed $103M Series A financing funded by Bain Capital Life Sciences, Bain Capital Double Impact, OrbiMed, Pfizer and LifeArc. SpringWorks Therapeutics also has rights to four clinical-stage experimental therapies from Pfizer. "SpringWorks Therapeutics will pursue the development of medicines across therapeutic areas, focused on diseases where there is an urgent need and the potential for the greatest impact for patients," said Lara S. Sullivan, M.D., MBA, Founder and President of SpringWorks Therapeutics and a former Vice President at Pfizer. "We initially have rights to four very promising experimental therapies and, over time, plan to expand our pipeline by partnering with other life science companies and academic institutions who share in our mission." SpringWorks Therapeutics was originally conceived by Pfizer as an innovative way to advance investigational therapies that may hold significant promise for underserved patients. SpringWorks Therapeutics' collaborative business model is designed to deliver both social and financial returns via partnerships with a variety of stakeholders, including scientists, biopharmaceutical partners, patient groups, funders and philanthropists. Pfizer's contribution consists of both equity capital and royalty- and milestone-bearing licenses to experimental therapies.

10:45 EDT Battleground: Analysts at odds on Under Armour amid sector slowdown - Two research firms have recently disagreed on the outlook for apparel maker Under Armour (UA,,UAA), with KeyBanc upgrading the shares to Overweight this morning after Wells Fargo cut the stock to Underperform, its equivalent of a sell rating, last week. KeyBanc says that the company appears to be nearing a bottom and should benefit from the addition of a new COO while it continues to have growth opportunities. Wells Fargo, however, predicted that the company would be hurt by a slowdown in demand for athletic apparel. KEYBANC BULLISH: Under Armour's inventory write down last quarter may have marked a bottom for the company, wrote analyst Edward Yruma, who recently met with the company's CEO Kevin Plank and its new COO Patrik Frisk. The apparel maker is about to have easier comparisons and should benefit as several of the larger retailers to which it sells products open more stores, the analyst wrote. Cost cutting will also help the company, stated Yruma, who thinks that inventory write downs can mark the start of a rebound. The analyst added that Frisk's hiring could cause Under Armour's "operational focus" to improve, while the company has "meaningful growth opportunities" overseas and in footwear. Adding that the company's brand remains "strong," Yruma placed a $20 price target on the name. WELLS SAYS SELL: Sales of athletic apparel jumped at a 7% compound annual growth rate between 2011 and 2016 but that growth rate dropped to 6% last year and has fallen further in 2017, according to Wells Fargo analyst Tom Nikic. Sneaker retailers underperformed non-athletic shoe stores for the first time since the end of 2011, the analyst noted. Meanwhile, a survey of more than 550 young males indicated that their views on Under Armour's footwear have deteriorated more than towards any other brand, he wrote. Blaming the lull in athletic apparel sales party on distribution issues in the wake of store closures by retailers and the saturation of consumers' closets, Nikic predicted that the sector would "take a breather for now." He cut his price target on Under Armour to $13 from $17. WHAT'S NOTABLE: Research firm Guggenheim today downgraded Under Armour to Neutral from Buy. PRICE ACTION: In morning trading, Class A shares of Under Armour jumped nearly 3.5% to $16.96. Year-to-date, however, the stock is down over 40%.

10:33 EDT Cardtronics sinks after Australian banks pull ATM surcharges - Cardtronics (CATM) disclosed in a regulatory filing that it operates approximately 10,200 ATMs in Australia. On Saturday, Australia's four largest banks, the Commonwealth Bank of Australia, Australia and New Zealand Banking Group (ANZBY), Westpac Banking (WBK) and National Australia Bank Limited (NABZY), each independently announced a decision to remove all direct charges applied to transactions completed at their respective ATM networks, the company stated. "This unexpected market shift was instigated by a decision and announcement by CBA to remove direct charges with immediate effect, shortly thereafter each of ANZ, Westpac and NAB followed with direct charges on these ATM networks expected to be removed by October 2017," Cardtronics said. Collectively these four banks operate approximately 12,400 ATMs between them in Australia. The total number of ATMs operated in Australia is estimated to be approximately 32,000. Cardtronics went on, the "introduction of free to use ATMs in Australia may adversely impact the Company's revenues in the near term. It is unclear at this time as to what the longer term ATM strategy may be for these banks, and how it may ultimately impact the Company's operations in Australia." In the three months ended June 30, Cardtronics generated $33M in revenue from its Australia & New Zealand segment, of which $27.1M was surcharge revenue. Consolidated total revenue and surcharge revenue in the period was $385.1M and $169.8M, respectively. Cardtronics added, "The Company is currently evaluating the impact that this market development in Australia will have on its ATM transaction volumes and associated revenues in the near-term, as well as potential strategic implications for a broader market adoption of surcharge-free models in Australia similar to those in other markets in which the Company operates." Shares of the company, which operate a network of automated teller machines, or ATMs, are down over 12% to $25.62 in morning trading.

10:32 EDT Deutsche sees GM self-driving cars coming sooner than thought - Shares of General Motors (GM) are on the rise after Deutsche Bank analyst Rod Lache upgraded the stock to Buy as he believes its autonomous vehicles will be ready for commercial deployment much sooner that widely expected and possibly ahead of competitors. BUY GENERAL MOTORS: In a research note to investors this morning, Deutsche Bank's Lache upgraded General Motors to Buy from Neutral and raised his price target on the shares to $51 from $36. The analyst argued that the company's autonomous vehicles will be ready for commercial deployment, without human drivers, much sooner than widely expected and possibly years ahead of competitors. Businesses built off of this platform will ramp much faster than is widely expected, which could perpetuate sustainable advantages, he argued, adding that he believes that this will be material, even to a company of General Motors' size. The analyst told investors that he estimates that 60% of U.S. households in dense urban centers could eventually find autonomous ride-share services more financially attractive than privately owned vehicles. Additionally, Lache pointed out that potential valuations of General Motors' burgeoning Mobility business is "too big to ignore," especially if the company sees the merits of spinning it off, which he believes they will. The analyst said he sees its Mobility business being worth $30B, or $20 per share. WHAT'S NOTABLE: Deutsche Bank's Lache is not the only one getting more bullish on General Motors. Last week, his peer at Morgan Stanley raised his price target on the company's shares to $43 from $40 and his sum-of-the-parts valuation of General Motors to $56 from $50. Analyst Adam Jonas noted that he believes the company has an opportunity to unlock hidden strategic value, and moved the stock up to number three in his ranking of North American autos, making it his highest-ranked OEM. Last Wednesday, Citi analyst Itay Michaeli also made the case for "significant" long-term upside potential in shares of General Motors. The analyst told investors in a research note of his own that he believes General Motors' "highly overlooked" pickup truck fundamentals are just as integral to the investment case as "Car of the Future and RoboTaxis." If both themes play out, Michaeli argued that the stock's long-term upside case can well exceed his Street-high price target of $53. Further, the analyst continues to believe the company will emerge as one of the winners in the rapidly changing automaker space. Michaeli reiterated a Buy rating on the shares. OTHERS TO WATCH: Other publicly traded automakers and technology companies prominently working on autonomous vehicles include Tesla (TSLA), Apple (AAPL), Alphabet (GOOG) Ford (F), Honda (HMC), Toyota (TM) and Volkswagen (VLKAY). PRICE ACTION: In morning trading, shares of General Motors have gained about 2.5% to $40.40.

10:25 EDT Cardtronics says evaluating impact of Australian banks ending ATM surcharges

10:19 EDT Target to boost minimum wage to $11 in October, commits to $15 by end of 2020 - Shares of Target (TGT) are in focus after the retailer announced plans to increase its minimum hourly wage for all workers to $11 in October and then to $15 by the end of 2020. MINIMUM WAGE INCREASE: Target this morning announced plans to raise its minimum hourly wage for all team members to $11 beginning next month, along with a commitment to increasing the minimum hourly wage to $15 by the end of 2020. "Target has a long history of investing in our team members," Brian Cornell, CEO and chairman, said in a statement. "Target has always offered market competitive wages to our team members. With this latest commitment, we'll be providing even more meaningful pay, as well as the tools, training and support our team needs to build their skills, develop professionally and offer the service and expertise that set Target apart." By moving to an $11 minimum hourly wage in October, Target will provide pay increases to thousands of team members across the country before the holiday season, the company said, adding that the increase to $11 per hour will apply to the more than 100,000 hourly workers that Target will be hiring for the holiday season. BACKED GUIDANCE: Target also reiterated its most recent sales and EPS guidance for the third quarter and fiscal year 2017. The company expects both Q3 and Q4 comparable sales growth to be within the range the company experienced in Q1 and Q2, and expects its FY17 comparable sales growth will be in a range around flat, plus or minus 1%. The company continues to expect adjusted earnings per share of 75c-95c and FY17 adjusted EPS of $4.34-$4.54, which compares to analysts' estimates of 86c and $4.51, respectively. SEASONAL HIRING PLANS: On September 13, Target said it will hire about 100,000 seasonal workers this year, up materially from the 70,000 it hired last year prior to the holiday season. Target also said it will add 4,500 jobs at its distribution centers to fulfill online orders and replenish products at its brick and mortar stores throughout the season. The seasonal hiring begins October 13, and Target said benefits include "competitive wages," a 10% discount on Target purchases online and in stores as well as a 20% discount for certain fruits and vegetables and athletic apparel merchandise. OTHERS TO WATCH: Target's change to the minimum wage comes after a wage war with rival Wal-Mart (WMT), in which the retailer increased its hourly minimum wage to $9 in April 2015 after Wal-Mart announced plans to raise its pay to $10 an hour by 2016. Target's last major wage increase was 2016, when it moved to a $10 minimum hourly wage. In addition, retailers such as Gap (GPS), Costco (COST) and Whole Foods, which was recently acquired by Amazon (AMZN), have made efforts to offer competitive minimum wages over the past several years, despite proposals to increase the federal standard minimum wage failing to gain traction in Congress. PRICE ACTION: Target fell 0.15%, or 10c, to $58.88 in morning trading. Shares are down 18.5% year-to-date.

09:51 EDT AIG shakes up business amid continuing SIFI label - Shares of American International Group (AIG) are in focus in morning trading after U.S. regulators did not announce any change to the existing policy for oversight of the insurer as a "systematically important financial institution," according to a report from The Wall Street Journal. Separately, AIG announced changes to its organizational structure, including the elimination of its Commercial and Consumer segments. 'SIFI' DESIGNATION STAYS: The Wall Street Journal reported, citing people familiar with the matter, that U.S. regulators decided to maintain AIG's SIFI designation following a private meeting on Friday. The SIFI label, which was created after the financial crisis, was intended to give the Financial Stability Oversight Council the authority to apply to financial firms that "could pose a threat to the financial stability of the United States" if they failed or engaged in risky activities. Regulators review the designation for companies tagged with it every year, and sources said last week that they were considering whether to remove it for AIG. The FSOC panel did not announce any changes to existing policy, but rather "discussed an ongoing annual reevaluation of its designation of a nonbank financial company," Reuters said. While the panel did not specifically call out AIG by name, sources say regulators were believed to be debating easing regulations on the company. AIG has sold dozens of businesses since the financial crisis, including two Asian life insurance operations and an aircraft leasing businesses, but it remains the largest commercial insurer in the U.S. and Canada. ORGANIZATIONAL RESTRUCTURING: Separately, AIG announced plans this morning to reorganize into three business units, eliminating the Commercial and Consumer segments. Going forward, AIG will have General Insurance led by Peter Zaffino, as CEO; Life & Retirement, led by Kevin Hogan, CEO; and a standalone technology-enabled platform, led by Seraina Macia, CEO. Rob Schimek, CEO of the Commercial unit, will leave the company at the end of October as part of the structural changes, AIG said in a statement. President and CEO Brian Duperreault said that the changes are being made to "best position AIG for the future." ANALYST COMMENTARY: Commenting on AIG, Wells Fargo analyst Elyse Greenspan told clients in a research note that Duperreault is likely to have success in bringing back talent to the company, in finding new business opportunities -- both organic and inorganic -- as well as in improving the company's margins, which should result in a higher ROE profile and a higher valuation. Greenspan, who has an Outperform rating on AIG, expects the shares to trade lower following the absence of a vote to remove the SIFI label, but believes a vote will most likely come "at a later time." PRICE ACTION: AIG is fractionally higher in early trading to $60.77.

09:35 EDT Rennova Health announces appeals court win for Cigna suit - Rennova Health (RNVA) announced earlier that it received a favorable decision from the Eleventh Circuit Court of Appeals reversing an earlier decision by the U.S. District Court. "This is an exciting development for us," said Seamus Lagan, CEO, "and allows us to push forward in our pursuit of the total amount of our original claims." Biohealth Medical Laboratory and PB Laboratories filed suit against Cigna Health (CI) in 2015 alleging that Cigna failed to pay claims for laboratory services the companies provided to patients pursuant to Cigna-issued and Cigna-administrated plans. In 2016, the U.S. District Court dismissed part of the companies' claims for lack of standing. The companies appealed that decision to the Eleventh Circuit Court of Appeals, which recently reversed the district court's decision and found that the companies have standing to raise claims arising out of traditional insurance plans as well as self-funded plans, Rennova Health explained.

09:30 EDT Intercept says talks with FDA 'evolving' - When asked on today's business update call if the FDA has brought up the possibility of a Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy, or REMS, Intercept Pharmaceuticals said its talks with the agency are "evolving" and that it does not expect such an action. The Food and Drug Administration Amendments Act of 2007 gave FDA the authority to require a Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy from manufacturers to ensure that the benefits of a drug or biological product outweigh its risks.

09:28 EDT Biogen apponts Camille Lee as SVP, Alzheimer's Disease Therapeutic Area - Biogen (BIIB) announced the appointment of Camille Lee as SVP, Alzheimer's Therapeutic Area, effective today. In her new role, Lee will be responsible for the design and execution of commercial strategy for the company's late-stage Alzheimer's disease assets and will work in partnership with Biogen's Research & Development function in overseeing Biogen's entire Alzheimer's portfolio. She will be based in Cambridge, Mass., and report directly to Chief Medical Officer Alfred Sandrock, Jr., M.D., Ph.D. In her most recent role as SVP, Diabetes & Obesity Marketing at Novo Nordisk (NVO), she led a team of more than 500 professionals while overseeing the marketing of all in-line and future brands as well as market access strategy. During her time in this position, Novo Nordisk successfully launched two brands that achieved leadership in their therapeutic areas.

09:16 EDT Amazon signs first-look production deal with Casey Affleck's Sea Change Media - Amazon Studios has closed an exclusive first-look production deal with Oscar winner Casey Affleck under his new production banner Sea Change Media. The two-year deal will cover both film and television projects. Last year, Affleck and Amazon Studios worked together on Kenneth Lonergan's highly acclaimed feature Manchester by the Sea, which earned Affleck numerous awards including a Golden Globe, BAFTA and ultimately the Academy Award for Best Actor. Manchester by the Sea is available now for streaming and download on Prime Video.

09:10 EDT P2 Capital Partners reports 7.3% stake in BroadSoft, may hold talks - In a regulatory filing, P2 Capital Partners disclosed that it has built a 7.3% stake in BroadSoft. In the filing, the firm stated that it took ownership of the shares "in order to obtain a significant equity position [and] have had or may in the future have discussions with management, members of the board of directors and other shareholders and may make suggestions and give advice to the issuer regarding measures and changes that would maximize shareholder value. Such discussions and advice may concern the issuer's operations, capital structure, strategic and extraordinary transactions, management and governance and other matters that the reporting persons deem relevant to their investment in the issuer."

09:08 EDT L3 Technologies selected by easyJet to provide flight training - L3 Technologies (LLL) announced that its Commercial Training Solutions business has been selected by easyJet (ESYJY) to provide simulator time on a new RealitySeven Full Flight Simulator at the L3 CTS London Training Center, a state-of-the-art facility that is being developed near London Gatwick Airport. The two-year agreement, which begins in October 2017, will provide easyJet guaranteed simulator availability to help support its recurrent training program and recruitment strategy. Training will commence on L3's new A320 FFS, which is conveniently situated near easyJet's base at Gatwick Airport, before moving to L3's new 150,000-square-foot London Training Center in 2018.

09:07 EDT Sparton, Ultra receive requests for additional information from DOJ - Ultra Electronics Holdings and Sparton Corporation announced that they have each received a request for additional information from the United States Department of Justice in connection with Ultra's pending acquisition of Sparton. The second requests were issued under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act of 1976, as amended. The effect of the second requests is to extend the waiting period imposed by the HSR Act until 30 days after Ultra and Sparton have substantially complied with the requests, unless that period is extended voluntarily by both Ultra and Sparton or terminated sooner by the DOJ. Ultra and Sparton have been cooperating fully with the DOJ as it conducts its review of the transaction and will continue to do so in connection with the second requests. The transaction remains subject to approval by Sparton's shareholders and other approvals, as well as other customary closing conditions. Ultra and Sparton expect the transaction to close in the first calendar quarter of 2018.

09:06 EDT Intercept says black box possible, not expecting restrictive label changes - Intercept Pharmaceuticals said on this morning's update call that a black box warning is possible for Ocaliva but that it does not anticipate label changes that restrict use.

09:05 EDT American Vanguard subsidiary to acquire OHP - American Vanguard Corporation announced that its wholly owned subsidiary AMVAC Chemical Corporation will acquire OHP, Inc. OHP is a leading provider of technology based pesticide solutions specifically packaged and labeled for greenhouse and nursery production applications. Products are marketed utilizing a network of leading distribution partners throughout the United States and Puerto Rico. The parties expect that the transaction will close on October 2. OHP will continue to operate as it has in the past. It will maintain the OHP, Inc. name, its products will continue to be marketed under OHP brands, and the business will remain under the leadership of Dan Stahl, OHP General Manager. The OHP team will continue to sell OHP's existing portfolio and service its current and future customers. In recent years, OHP has generated annual sales in the range of $20-$25 million and American Vanguard expects to build on that foundation going forward. This acquisition will increase AMVAC's Non-Crop business by approximately 50%. Terms of the deal were not disclosed.

09:04 EDT Williams-Sonoma Home to open store in New York City - Williams Sonoma Home, a member of the Williams-Sonoma portfolio of brands, is opening a standalone store in the Chelsea neighborhood of New York City. The company says, "The 5,300 square foot store will offer a full suite of home furnishings and decor offerings perfect for city living, as well as Williams Sonoma Inc.'s complimentary Design Crew interior design services that helps customers create one-of-a-kind spaces."

09:03 EDT Fitbit announces global availability of Fitbit Ionic, Fitbit Flyer - Fitbit announced that its latest products, Fitbit Ionic and Fitbit Flyer, will be available at major retailers worldwide beginning October 1. Fitbit says, "Following ongoing, extensive testing, Ionic achieves industry-leading battery life of up to 5 days.i Fitbit is also releasing its software development kit tomorrow, enabling the 1,000+ developers who have already signed up to support the platform the ability to begin creating apps and clock faces to share with friends and family, and submit for review and availability in the Fitbit App Gallery beginning this Fall."

09:02 EDT MasterCard, Swarovski launch virtual reality shopping experience - Mastercard and Swarovski launched a virtual reality shopping app for the Atelier Swarovski home decor line, a collection of functional and decorative crystal home accessories designed in collaboration with world-renowned architects and designers. The app immerses consumers in a tastefully decorated home where they can browse and purchase the pieces with Masterpass, Mastercard's digital payment service. Consumers can place their phone into a compatible VR headset to enter the experience, which lets them walk through the five areas of the virtual home to browse designs by artists such Norwegian-born Kim Thome, Amsterdam-based Aldo Bakker, Spanish designer Tomas Alonso and the renowned architect Zaha Hadid. Once in the VR environment, they are able to learn about the stories behind each piece, read through descriptions, see the pricing, and in some cases watch videos about its craftsmanship. The app will be available for download from the iTunes app and Google Play stores in October.

09:01 EDT Exxon Mobil expands methane emissions reduction program - ExxonMobil announced an enhanced program to reduce methane emissions from its production and midstream facilities across the United States. The program, which builds on the company's longstanding commitment to emissions reduction, prioritizes actions at sites operated by subsidiary XTO Energy and includes efforts to develop and deploy new, more efficient technologies to detect and reduce facility emissions. "We are implementing an enhanced leak detection and repair program across our production and midstream sites to continually reduce methane emissions, and are also evaluating opportunities to upgrade facilities and improve efficiency at both current and future sites," said XTO president Sara Ortwein. "Our comprehensive initiative is underscored by a technology research and testing effort, and includes personnel training, equipment phase out and facility design improvements." The program includes a commitment to phase out high-bleed pneumatic devices over three years, extensive personnel training, research, and facility design improvements for new operations. XTO's efforts also include research conducted with ExxonMobil Upstream Research Company and third-party equipment manufacturers to continue development of more efficient, state-of-the-art equipment to detect, quantify and reduce emissions at production sites. These research efforts build on an extensive portfolio of more than two dozen existing methane research projects and pilots already under way. Earlier this year, ExxonMobil, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, and others evaluated the use of aircraft-mounted leak detection surveys to guide equipment repair, and continue to assess the use of satellite, aircraft, unmanned aerial vehicles, and mobile and ground-based technologies to refine the company's methane monitoring.

08:41 EDT Granite Real Estate CEO Michael Forsayeth, to retire September 30, 2018 - Granite Real Estate Investment Trust announced that Michael Forsayeth, CEO, has decided to retire from Granite effective September 30, 2018. Forsayeth will remain in his role as CEO until such time as a successor is appointed and will remain with Granite through to September 30, 2018 to ensure a smooth transition. Granite's Board has commenced a comprehensive search to identify a successor for Forsayeth who will lead the continued thoughtful deployment of Granite's balance sheet to accelerate the growth and diversification of its investment property portfolio.

08:39 EDT CGI Group signs master services agreement with Alectra Utilities - CGI has signed a master services agreement with Alectra Utilities, North America's second-largest municipally-owned electric utility that serves nearly 1M customers in Ontario's Greater Golden Horseshoe Area and provides innovative energy solutions to these and thousands more across Ontario. The MSA encompasses services that will help the organization align and transform its IT and business operations following the recent merger of PowerStream, Enersource, Horizon Utilities and Brampton Hydro.

08:37 EDT United Rentals, Neff announce early termination of HSR waiting period - United Rentals (URI) and Neff Corporation (NEFF), operating as Neff Rental, announced that on September 21, the U.S. Federal Trade Commission granted early termination of the waiting period under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act of 1976 with respect to the pending acquisition of Neff by United Rentals. The termination of the waiting period under the HSR Act satisfies one of the conditions to the closing of the pending acquisition, which remains subject to other customary closing conditions. The company has reaffirmed its expectation that the transaction will close in early October.

08:35 EDT Sarepta appoints Guriqbal Basi, Ph.D. as Chief Scientific Officer - Sarepta Therapeutics (SRPT) announced the appointment of Guriqbal Basi, Ph.D. as Chief Scientific Officer. Dr. Basi joins Sarepta after serving in several senior leadership roles at Elan (ELN), including chief science and technology officer and head of pre-clinical development. He was also the former CSO for Circuit Therapeutics, Inc. and Symic Biomedical.

08:34 EDT Mellanox Spectrum selected to power HPE's StoreFabric M-series switches - Mellanox Technologies (MLNX) announced the Mellanox Spectrum Ethernet Switch has been selected by HPE (HPE) to power their StoreFabric M-series storage networking switches. The solution delivers the world's fastest and most efficient storage network for the enterprise and cloud. The HPE StoreFabric M-series switches are specifically optimized for storage and bring unmatched performance and value. HPE's M-series product family offers a broad range of models with unique form factors and flexible port configurations. Combined with predictable performance, low latency and zero packet loss, HPE brings an entire family of storage optimized fabrics to market designed to meet the needs of the modern data center.

08:31 EDT ViewRay launches clinical trial using MRIdian - ViewRay announced the launch of a multi-center prospective clinical trial for locally advanced unresectable pancreatic cancer using MRIdian, the world's first and only FDA-cleared MRI-guided radiation therapy system. This study is the first initiative of ViewRay's Clinical Cooperative Think Tank, a group of MRIdian clinical users focused on evidence gathering to support MR-guided radiation therapy.

08:22 EDT Hailiang Education Group enters agreement with Pate's Grammar School - Hailiang Education Group announced that its affiliate, Zhejiang Hailiang Education Investment Co., has entered into a Strategic Cooperation Agreement with Pate's Grammar School Trading Company, a wholly owned subsidiary of Pate's Grammar School, a well-known British mixed government school, to strengthen the competitive advantages and fast growth of both Hailiang Education and Pate's. The purpose of signing the agreement between the two parties is to provide a higher standard of education to co-operative schools, exchange teaching methods, cultural experience as well as explore the education market in both China and the UK. Pursuant to the Agreement, Pate's will cooperate with Hailiang Education in delivering A-level and other international courses, providing education consulting services as well as launching annual exchange programs for students and faculty among co-operative school.

08:15 EDT ViaSat, Boeing proceeding with construction of first two ViaSat-3 satellites - ViaSat (VSAT) has completed the Critical Design Review milestones for the ViaSat-3 class spacecraft. The payload CDR was successfully completed last week, and when combined with the successful bus CDR, conducted with Boeing (BA) in mid-August, ViaSat and Boeing are now moving forward with building, integrating and testing the first two satellites. The ViaSat-3 class of Ka-band satellites is expected to provide unprecedented capabilities in terms of service speed and flexibility. The first two satellites will focus on the Americas and on Europe, Middle East and Africa, respectively, with a third satellite planned for the Asia Pacific region, completing ViaSat's global service coverage. Each ViaSat-3 class satellite is expected to deliver more than 1-Terabit per second of network capacity, and to leverage high levels of flexibility to dynamically direct capacity to where customers are located. The ViaSat-3 payload is being designed and manufactured by ViaSat at its Tempe, Arizona facility while Boeing is building the all-electric propulsion 702 satellite platform at its factory in El Segundo, California. Boeing will deliver the payload module structure to ViaSat's satellite integration facility in Tempe where the payload will be installed and tested. Following completion of payload testing, ViaSat will send the completed payload module back to Boeing, where it will be mated to the spacecraft and tested to ensure readiness for launch and the space environment once on orbit.

08:14 EDT Bristow Group announces planned succession of board of directors - Bristow Group announced changes to its board of directors as it executes its long-term board succession plan to achieve an appropriate balance of experience, stability, diversity and fresh thinking of its members, while seeking to reduce the size of the board whenever possible. In March 2018, Bruce H. Stover will step down from Bristow's board of directors following eight years of service to the company, including serving as chairman of the compensation committee for four years. Also departing Bristow's board in March 2018 is David C. Gompert, having contributed substantially to the governance and nomination and compensation committees during his three years of service. In conjunction with these departures, Gaurdie Banister Jr. has been appointed to Bristow's board of directors effective October 1, 2017. A veteran in the oil and gas industry, Banister retired as president and chief executive officer of Aera Energy LLC, an oil and gas exploration and production company jointly owned by Shell Oil Company and ExxonMobil, in July 2015. While at Aera Energy, Banister served on its board of directors and provided strategic leadership to position the company as the industry leader in profitability and cash flow. Prior to Aera Energy, Banister served 27 years in executive-level positions at Shell Oil Company, including technical vice president of upstream Asia-Pacific, technical vice president of upstream Americas and executive vice president of the Shell Services International Group of Companies. He currently serves on the public boards of Marathon Oil Corporation and Tyson Foods. With these changes and in consideration of challenging market conditions, the board will downsize to 10 directors in March 2018, down from its current 11 members. The board is also reducing the annual cash fee paid to non-employee directors by ten percent effective October 1, 2017, to better align with the company's overall efforts to reduce costs and improve financial performance.

08:12 EDT Veracyte reports release of 2018 prelim. reimbursement rate for AGC - Veracyte announced that the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services published preliminary 2018 rates for clinical diagnostic laboratory tests. The reimbursement rate for the Afirma Genomic Classifier is expected to increase from $3,220 to $3,600 for calendar year 2018. The preliminary rate is based on the median of private payer payments submitted by Veracyte as part of the market-based payment reforms mandated through the Protecting Access to Medicare Act of 2014. The CMS plans to finalize the rates in November 2017, following a public comment period, and the new rates are scheduled to become effective January 1, 2018. "We believe this new rate for the Afirma classifier reflects the value our test delivers to physicians and patients by reducing unnecessary thyroid surgeries and associated healthcare costs," stated Bonnie Anderson, chairman and CEO of Veracyte. "We are pleased that CMS is moving forward with implementation of PAMA following the original delays to ensure smooth data submission."

08:11 EDT Alnylam presents preclinical data on ESC+ GalNAc-siRNA conjugate platform - Alnylam Pharmaceuticals announced that the Ccompany presented new pre-clinical data highlighting its next generation "Enhanced Stabilization Chemistry Plus" GalNAc-siRNA conjugate platform at the 13th Annual Meeting of the Oligonucleotide Therapeutics Society, held September 24 - 27, 2017 in Bordeaux, France. In addition to new data on the Company's ESC+ platform, Alnylam scientists and collaborators presented additional pre-clinical findings showing continued leadership in RNAi technologies and delivery. First, Alnylam scientists presented further advances toward optimizing the Company's GalNAc-siRNA conjugate platform. These included studies to further improve the mechanistic understanding of conjugate duration of activity as well as the development of advanced ESC designs with significantly improved metabolic stability and in vivo efficacy. Further, new data on Alnylam's Reversir platform were presented. Specifically, optimizations were implemented that enable rapid reversal of siRNA-mediated mRNA silencing, providing the means to fine-tune the pharmacology of GalNAc-siRNA conjugates. Finally, pre-clinical data demonstrating extra-hepatic siRNA delivery, involving Centyrins, a novel class of highly stable FN3 domain proteins, were also presented as part of a research collaboration with Janssen Research & Development, LLC. Centyrin-siRNA conjugates showed excellent cross-tumor penetration and mediated robust target knockdown in a mouse xenograft tumor model. Also, the generalizability of this approach was demonstrated in vitro using Centyrins for a number of different receptors and gene targets.

08:10 EDT Pebblebrook Hotel provides update on impact from Hurricane Irma - Pebblebrook Hotel Trust provided an update regarding its hotels in Florida that were impacted by Hurricane Irma. The 157-room Hotel Colonnade Coral Gables located in Coral Gables, Florida, remained open and operational during Hurricane Irma, remains open today and did not incur any material physical damage. The hotel has incurred some cancellations of business due to storm-related travel disruptions, however, this lost business has not been material. The 189-room LaPlaya Beach Resort & Club, a waterfront luxury resort located in Naples, Florida, closed starting Saturday, September 9, following a mandatory evacuation order and remains closed. The company conducted site assessments and structural reviews of the resort to determine wind and water-related damage from Hurricane Irma. The two hotel buildings located on the beach incurred meaningful water infiltration. The company commenced repair and restoration work at LaPlaya almost immediately following the hurricane, and repair and restoration crews are working aggressively to complete the repairs in order to reopen as soon as possible. The cost of the restoration work and lost business as a result of the resort's closure is expected to exceed the company's property insurance deductible. Pebblebrook currently believes the resort will reopen during Q4. The company does not believe that the property damage or lost business at LaPlaya was material.

08:09 EDT Verizon's Oath launches first global brand campaign - Oath, a subsidiary of Verizon announces the launch of its first global brand campaign, #BuildYourBrand, which will span nine global markets and "underscores the company's differentiators across mobile, video and data for advertisers, publishers and partners. The campaign emphasizes Oath's expertise in building strong brands that capture the hearts and minds of today's consumers by combining award-winning content, unique data and cutting-edge technology at a massive global scale."

08:09 EDT Hanesbrands names Tempur Sealy's Barry Hytinen as CFO, effective October 16 - HanesBrands (HBI) announced the appointment of Barry A. Hytinen as CFO effective Oct. 16, 2017. Hytinen joins Hanes from Tempur Sealy (TPX), where he serves as CFO. Hytinen has nearly 20 years of finance experience, including oversight of mergers and acquisitions, capital structure, global strategy and tax structure, corporate development, and investor relations. Hytinen will report to Evans and will succeed CFO Richard D. Moss, who announced in April 2017 that he will retire at the end of the year after 12 years with Hanes. Moss will remain with the company in an advisory capacity until his retirement.

08:08 EDT Soleno Therapeutics - Soleno Therapeutics announced that it has received scientific advice from the Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use, or CHMP, of the European Medicines Agency regarding Diazoxide Choline Controlled-Release, or DCCR, for the treatment of Prader-Willi syndrome, or PWS. PWS is a rare and complex genetic neurobehavioral/metabolic disorder affecting appetite, growth, metabolism, cognitive function, and behavior. The EMA indicated that a single pivotal trial would support a Marketing Authorisation Application. They also indicated their general acceptance of several key aspects of the proposed development plan, on which general agreement had been reached previously with the FDA. The EMA expressed their support for change in hyperphagia compared to placebo as the primary endpoint for the study. In addition, the dosing paradigm proposed by Soleno for the study was accepted, as it was during Soleno's scientific advice meeting with the FDA. The EMA also commented that Soleno could treat children with hyperphagia in the study without further toxicology work.

08:07 EDT Atossa Genetics announces upcoming Phase 2 study of topical Endoxifen - Atossa Genetics has contracted with a European hospital to conduct a Phase 2 study of its proprietary topical Endoxifen for the treatment of women with mammographic breast density, or MBD. Studies by others have shown that a reduction in MBD reduces the risk of developing breast cancer. The Phase 2 study will be conducted at Stockholm South General Hospital in Sweden and will be led by principal investigator Dr. Per Hall, MD, Ph.D., Head of the Department of Medical Epidemiology and Biostatistics at Karolinska Institutet.

08:07 EDT American Campus acquires Core Spaces/DRW portfolio - American Campus Communities announced that it has entered into an agreement to recapitalize and ultimately acquire seven select student housing properties totaling 3,776 beds for an aggregate $590.6M, including an exclusive option to acquire a 248-bed property in Seattle, Washington, from affiliates of Core Spaces and DRW Real Estate Investments. The portfolio investment focuses on strategic growth in seven key Power-5 conference and state flagship university markets, and offers the potential for multi-asset market efficiencies in five existing ACC markets. The transaction includes the acquisition of two existing communities, two communities opening in Fall 2017, and three projects under-construction scheduled for completion in Fall 2018, with closing and funding events scheduled to occur in a staged manner over approximately two years, allowing for optimal integration and funding. The $590.6M transaction is expected to include closing and funding events over approximately two years. The company intends to fund a substantial portion of the total transaction through the monetization of select existing core assets via disposition or joint venture, thereby taking advantage of the current cap rate environment for core pedestrian student housing in tier one university markets, where private market transactions in the 4.0 to 4.75 percent cap rate range are frequently occurring. After investment of $7.9 million of upfront capital improvements, the portfolio targets a stabilized cap rate of 5.4 percent nominal and 5.2 percent economic for the 2019-2020 academic year, with multiple property market efficiencies offering the potential for additional yield above the going-in cap rates for five of the seven assets.

08:06 EDT Arbutus Biopharma announces topline results for ARB 1467 Phase II cohort 4 - Arbutus Biopharma announced topline results of the bi-weekly dosing segment of Cohort 4 of the Phase II study of its RNAi agent, ARB-1467. In the bi-weekly dosing segment of Cohort 4, twelve HBeAg negative chronically infected HBV patients on stable nucleotide therapy were given five doses of ARB-1467 on a bi-weekly dosing schedule. All twelve patients in Cohort 4 experienced reductions in serum HBsAg levels, with an average reduction in serum HBsAg of 1.4 log10, which was greater than that observed with monthly dosing in Cohorts 1-3. Seven of the twelve patients met the predefined response criteria at or before day 71. Five of the seven patients who met the response criteria had their serum HBsAg reduced to low absolute levels during the bi-weekly dosing period. Initial results for the monthly dosing extension suggest that monthly dosing is not sufficient to maintain or improve upon these reductions in s-antigen levels. Dosing with ARB-1467 in Cohort 4 has been generally well tolerated, with no serious adverse events. Eleven of the twelve patients received all five bi-weekly doses. ALT values remained normal throughout treatment. Detailed results of Cohort 4 are expected to be presented at AASLD in October.

08:05 EDT American Campus says trending below low end of FFOM per share view

08:04 EDT MER Telemanagement regains Nasdaq compliance - Mer Telemanagement announced that it received written notice from the NASDAQ Stock Market Inc. indicating that the company has regained compliance with the minimum bid price requirement under the Nasdaq Listing Rules. Therefore, the scheduled hearing before the Hearings Panel has been cancelled and the Company's stock will continue to be listed and traded on The NASDAQ Capital Market.

08:04 EDT Athenex announces first patient recruitment in Phase III trials for KX-01 - Athenex announced the recruitment of the first patient into one of two Phase III clinical trials of KX-01 ointment for the treatment of actinic keratosis. KX-01, also known as KX2-391, is a novel molecule in Athenex's portfolio. KX-01 has multiple mechanisms of action, including inhibition of Src kinase and tubulin polymerization. In preclinical studies, the compound has exhibited a broad range of anti-proliferative activity against a variety of cancer cell types as well as keratinocytes.

08:04 EDT Tempur Sealy names Bhaskar Rao as CFO, effective October 13 - Tempur Sealy announced that Bhaskar Rao has been appointed as the company's Executive Vice President and CFO, effective October 13. Rao is a certified public accountant who joined the company in 2004 after a successful nine year career at a major public accounting firm. Since joining Tempur Sealy, he has served several leadership roles throughout the finance organization, most recently as Senior Vice President and Chief Accounting Officer.

08:02 EDT American Campus: 2018 Same store portfolio 96.6% leased at September 24 - American Campus Communities provided an interim leasing update for the 2017-2018 academic year in conjunction with the company's participation in the 2017 National Multifamily Housing Council Student Housing Conference. With several universities commencing their fall class term in late September, the company continues to work toward completion of 2017-2018 academic year leasing. Additionally, the company is providing an update on projected expenses associated with Hurricanes Harvey and Irma. The company will provide final leasing results and an update to the company's fiscal year 2017 financial guidance in its third quarter 2017 earnings release after the market close on Monday, October 23, 2017. As of September 24, 2017, the company's 2018 same store wholly-owned portfolio was 96.6 percent leased compared to 97.2 percent leased as of September 30, 2016, with a 2.9 percent projected rental rate increase over in-place rents. The company's new wholly-owned properties are 86.7 percent leased, including the 10 wholly-owned development projects opened this fall, which are 83.4 percent leased. "While the results for 57 of our 60 same store markets exceeded our expectations, softness in three markets caused us to fall short of our leasing expectations," said Bill Bayless, American Campus Communities CEO. "Challenging conditions at Texas Tech, the University of Illinois and the Rochester Institute of Technology had a negative impact on overall leasing results. Excluding these three markets, the company's 2018 same store portfolio was 98.0 percent leased compared to 97.5 percent leased in the prior year with projected rental rate growth of 3.2 percent, demonstrating the strong fundamentals that continue nationally for the sector. Our same store properties at Texas Tech, the University of Illinois and RIT are currently leased to 83.4 percent compared to 95.2 percent in the prior year. Based on the current leasing results, we estimate rental revenue for the remainder of calendar year 2017 to be approximately $4.9 million below the midpoint of our rental revenue assumptions included in 2017 guidance, which excludes properties acquired to-date in 2017. These estimates represent approximately 4.5 of the 12 months of the overall academic year lease term. When also including the expenses associated with Hurricanes Harvey and Irma discussed below, we now believe we are trending around the low end of our current FFOM per-share guidance range and will provide a full update of our 2017 guidance on our upcoming earnings call. Looking forward, we see a healthy environment for student housing nationally and expect that diminished levels of new supply expected for 2018 and continued enrollment growth will create a favorable backdrop for the 2018-2019 lease up."

08:02 EDT Monster Digital announces offer to amend, exercise warrants to purchase shares - Monster Digital announced that it has commenced an offer to amend certain warrants to purchase 4,421,676 shares of Monster Digital common stock originally issued by Monster Digital. Monster Digital is offering those holders of record as of September 19, 2017 who are "accredited investors" as that term is defined in Rule 501(a) promulgated under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, of outstanding warrants to purchase common stock of the Company the opportunity to amend and exercise their warrants at a temporarily reduced cash exercise price of $0.45 per share of common stock, upon the terms set forth in the Offer to Amend and Exercise Warrants to Purchase Common Stock dated as of September 22.

08:00 EDT Cypress Semiconductor names former Delphi CTO Jeff Owens to board - Cypress Semiconductor (CY) announced the appointment of Jeffrey J. Owens to its board of directors. He will serve on the company's Compensation Committee. Owens recently retired from his role as Chief Technology Officer at Delphi Automotive (DLPH).

07:56 EDT Flowers Foods names Harish Ramani as Chief Information Officer - Flowers Foods has named Harish Ramani senior vice president and chief information officer. In this role, Ramani will lead Flowers' information technology operations, with a focus on enhancing key business tools and processes. Ramani has more than 25 years of IT experience and leadership, most recently serving as global CIO and senior vice president of ARYZTA.

07:36 EDT Allergan announces resignation of CFO Tessa Hilado - Allergan announced that Tessa Hilado, Executive Vice President and CFO, has decided to retire from Allergan. The company has initiated a search to fill the position. Hilado will continue in her current role until a successor is named to ensure a smooth transition.

07:32 EDT Allergan announces new $2B share repurchase plan, affirms guidance - Allergan announced that the company's Board of Directors has authorized a new $2B share repurchase program, and has affirmed its commitment to increasing its regular quarterly cash dividend annually for shareholders as part of the company's capital allocation strategy. As part of its commitment to maintaining investment grade credit ratings, the company also reaffirms its commitment to pay down $3.75M of debt in 2018. These actions reflect the Company's conviction in its business strategy and strong future cash flow position, allowing for periodic return of cash to shareholders through dividends and share buybacks while maintaining investment grade ratings and continuing its debt pay down strategy. In reaffirming its 2017 financial guidance issued on August 3, 2017 the company also affirmed third quarter revenue projections.

07:20 EDT CytoSorbents highlights publication of study in Journal of Artificial Organs - CytoSorbents highlighted the recent publication of a study entitled "Extracorporeal cytokine elimination as rescue therapy in refractory septic shock: a prospective single-center study" in the Journal of Artificial Organs. This single center, prospectively defined study evaluated the use of CytoSorb in twenty consecutive patients with refractory septic shock - a subset of critically ill septic patients that suffer from dangerously low blood pressure despite optimum available therapy. Persistently low blood pressure deprives vital organs of blood flow and oxygen, leading to a dire situation where multiple organ failure and death are often inevitable. If not reversed, approximately 80-100% of refractory shock patients will die. Patients in this study had multiple organ failure and a high severity of illness prior to treatment. All had refractory shock on high doses of vasopressors, such as noradrenaline, with an average lactate of 8.5+/-6.2 mmol/L, demonstrating poor circulation and oxygen delivery to the body. All had kidney failure with little to no urine output, requiring renal replacement therapy (i.e. hemodialysis or hemofiltration). All had respiratory failure, requiring mechanical ventilation. Patients had an average plasma interleukin-6 (IL-6) of 25,523 pg/mL, consistent with a true hyper-inflammatory cytokine storm. Patients had an average Simplified Acute Physiology Score (SAPS II) of 70.4+/-10.9, predicting a mortality of greater than 80%. CytoSorb treatment was initiated after standard therapy failed to treat septic shock (mean 7.8+/-3.7 hours of resuscitative effort) and continued for an average total of 3.0+/-1.5 treatments. The study concluded: A statistically significant reduction in the noradrenaline dose requirement from baseline requirements (the study's primary endpoint) after 6 hours (-0.4 microg/kg/min; p = 0.03), 12 hours (-0.6 microg/kg/min; p = 0.001), and extending to 36 hours (-1.1 microg/kg/min; p less than 0.001). A significant improvement in lactate clearance with CytoSorb treatment, reflecting improved microcirculation and tissue perfusion, and decreased global hypoxia. A significant improvement of hemodynamics resulting in shock reversal in 13 out of 20 patients (65%) with CytoSorb treatment. A 28-day survival rate of 45%. The predicted survival of the included patients was 0-20%."These strong results hold promise of CytoSorb as a new therapy for refractory septic shock, a disease whose unfortunate typical outcome has been death. The ability to reverse shock and improve survival in such a critically ill patient population is remarkable." stated Dr. Phillip Chan, MD, PhD, CEO of CytoSorbents. "We plan to confirm these positive outcomes in a future multi-center, randomized, controlled study."

07:17 EDT Northrop Grumman announces support contract for U.K. CUTLASS vehicles - Northrop Grumman announced it has been awarded a 24-month contract by the Ministry of Defence's Special Projects Search and Counter Measures team for in-service support of the CUTLASS Explosive Ordnance Disposal remotely controlled vehicle. The work, which is a continuation of the existing in-service support contract for CUTLASS, will be carried out at Northrop Grumman's Coventry facility where the company provides life cycle support for all of its EOD unmanned ground systems.

07:14 EDT All regulatory approvals obtained for Intact Financial's acquisition of Onebeacon Insurance - OneBeacon Insurance Group announced that all regulatory approvals required to complete the previously announced acquisition of the company by Intact Financial under the terms of the merger agreement have been obtained. The transaction is expected to be completed on September 28, 2017. Intact will acquire OneBeacon for $18.10 per common share in cash, resulting in an aggregate purchase price of approximately $1.7B. Upon the completion of the acquisition, OneBeacon will be an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of Intact, and will continue to operate as OneBeacon Insurance Group in the United States.

07:12 EDT Adient sees Futuris Group acquisition adding about $500M in annual revenue - Adient announced that it has completed its acquisition of the automotive seating manufacturer Futuris Group. Adient said that it paid approximately $360M for the business including the assumption of approximately $18M of net debt, subject to adjustments. Adient anticipates the transaction will add approximately $500M in revenue on an annual basis. It is expected to be accretive to Adient's adjusted fiscal 2018 earnings per share.

07:11 EDT Tuesday Morning confirms director nominations from Jeereddi - Tuesday Morning confirmed receipt of director nominations from Jeereddi II, LP. The company also announced it will be filing a preliminary proxy statement with the U.S. SEC in connection with the solicitation of proxies for the Company's 2017 Annual Meeting of Stockholders. The meeting will be held on Wednesday, November 15, 2017 at 8:30 a.m., Central time. Stockholders of record at the close of business on September 22, 2017, may vote at the 2017 Annual Meeting.

07:09 EDT PDL BioPharma announces $25M stock repurchase program - PDL BioPharma announced that PDL's board of directors has authorized a new stock repurchase program to acquire up to $25M of the company's common stock. Purchases may be made in open-market transactions, block transactions on or off an exchange, in privately negotiated transactions, or other means as determined by PDL's management and in accordance with the regulations of the SEC.

07:08 EDT Emergent BioSolutions to supply DoD with chemical threat RSDL - Emergent BioSolutions announced that it has been awarded a five-year follow-on contract valued at up to approximately $171M by the U.S. Department of Defense, or DoD, to supply Reactive Skin Decontamination Lotion Kit, or RSDL, for use by all branches of the U.S. military. The RSDL Kit is intended to remove or neutralize chemical warfare agents and T-2 toxin from the skin.

07:06 EDT Bevespi Aerosphere shows statistically significant improvement in lung function - AstraZeneca announced top-line results of the Phase III, PINNACLE 4 trial in which Bevespi Aerosphere demonstrated a statistically significant improvement in lung function as measured by trough forced expiratory volume in one second, compared to its monotherapy components and placebo, all administered twice daily via pressurized metered-dose inhaler to patients with moderate to very severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. AstraZeneca will make regulatory filing applications for Bevespi Aerosphere in Japan and China in 2018, based on data from PINNACLE 4, as well as previously reported trials. Bevespi Aerosphere is approved in the US for the long-term maintenance treatment of airflow obstruction in COPD. A Marketing Authorization Application for Bevespi Aerosphere has been accepted for review by the European Medicines Agency with a regulatory decision anticipated in the second half of 2018.

07:05 EDT Moody's names Melanie Hughes chief human resources officer - Moody's Corporation (MCO) announced that Melanie Hughes has been appointed chief human resources officer of the corporation. In this role, Hughes will lead Moody's global human resources function including recruiting, talent management, organizational development and training to support Moody's operations and growth. Prior to joining Moody's, Hughes held leadership positions in the U.S. and Europe at companies including American Eagle Outfitters (AEO), UBS (UBS), and Gilt Groupe, and has led strategic initiatives across various aspects of human resources.

07:03 EDT BioTime approves distribution of AgeX Therapeutics shares - BioTime announced that its Board of Directors has approved a distribution of some or all of the shares of AgeX Therapeutics, owned by BioTime to BioTime's shareholders. The Board also authorized management to work with investment banks and other financial institutions to finalize and implement the strategy for taking AgeX public, which may include a tax-free distribution. AgeX closed its initial $10M equity financing in August of 2017 with a post-money valuation of approximately $68M. BioTime currently owns approximately 85% of the outstanding shares of AgeX, with a post-money valuation of approximately $58M, or 50c per BioTime share. The equity financing is expected to fund AgeX's general operations and product development well into 2019, while saving BioTime more than $5less than annually on these programs and associated operational expenses. Building on the recent success of the formation, funding and launch of AgeX, BioTime's management and Board are now exploring all options for making AgeX a publicly-traded company, including a potential tax-free distribution of all AgeX shares to BioTime shareholders. Once BioTime's management completes its discussions with investment banks and other financial firms, and its analysis of remaining tax, legal, commercial and regulatory issues, BioTime will announce further details of the resulting plan.

07:01 EDT AIG to no longer have commercial and consumer segments

07:01 EDT Genuine Parts to acquire Alliance Automotive Group for approximately $2B

07:00 EDT Fluor awarded BHP copper concentrator mining project in Chile - Fluor (FLR) announced that its joint venture team was awarded an engineering, procurement and construction contract for BHP's (BHP) Spence Growth Option project at the Spence open-cut copper mine in northern Chile. The 50/50 joint venture with SalfaCorp is responsible for the delivery of the 95,000-ton-per-day copper concentrator and associated works. Fluor will book its share of the value in the third quarter of 2017.

06:57 EDT Lannett files NDA with FDA for Cocaine HCI Topical Solution - Lannett also announced that it has filed a 505(b)(2) New Drug Application, or NDA, with the FDA for Cocaine Hydrochloride, or HCl, Topical Solution, the company's proprietary local anesthetic product. The filing is the company's first 505(b)(2) NDA submission to include full clinical trial studies in its history. Cocaine HCl Topical Solution is a liquid formulation of cocaine hydrochloride, with a proposed indication for the introduction of local anesthesia for diagnostic procedures and surgeries on or through the accessible mucous membranes of the nasal cavities. The 505(b)(2) NDA submission is supported by two Phase III, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, multicenter studies in several hundred patients, as well as a Phase I pharmacokinetic study.

06:56 EDT Fluor awarded BHP copper concentrator mining project in Chile - Fluor (FLR) announced today that its joint venture team was awarded an engineering, procurement and construction contract for BHP's (BHP) Spence Growth Option project at the Spence open-cut copper mine in northern Chile. The 50/50 joint venture with SalfaCorp is responsible for the delivery of the 95,000-ton-per-day copper concentrator and associated works. Fluor will book its share of the value in the third quarter of 2017.

06:53 EDT Gold Standard Ventures reports positive results from Dark Star deposit - Gold Standard announced positive metallurgical results from continuing work designed to determine the processing characteristics of the Dark Star oxide gold deposit, on its 100%-owned/controlled Railroad Project in Nevada's Carlin Trend. Bottle roll recoveries from -10 mesh size material averaged 88% for Dark Star oxide and transition materials. Results indicate this material is likely to support heap leach processing. Bottle roll testing for cyanide solubility of Dark Star core samples was completed by Kappes Cassiday and Associates of Reno, Nevada, under the direction of Gary Simmons, consulting metallurgical engineer. Bottle rolls were completed on drill core samples at both -10 mesh and -200 mesh size fractions. The results will be combined with column leach testing currently in progress to predict gold recoveries in a cyanide heap leach operation. At Dark Star, a total of 62 samples representative of the gold deposit were tested using bottle rolls at the two different size fractions. Oxide and transitional material thought to be suitable for heap leaching was subjected to testing to determine ranges of gold recovery. At Dark Star, gold recoveries for oxide and transitional in the coarse -10 mesh bottle rolls of material ranged from 60-98%, with an average gold recovery of 88%. In the finer -200 mesh bottle rolls gold recovery ranged from 75-98%, with an average gold recovery of 91%.

06:50 EDT WidePoint awarded task order by U.S. Coast Guard - WidePoint announced that it has been awarded a pilot project by the United States Coast Guard under the Department of Homeland Security's Cellular Wireless Managed Services Blanket Purchase Agreement contract. WidePoint is the incumbent provider of TEM and Mobile Lifecycle Management Services to DHS. The scope of work for USCG's pilot TEM project includes: Implementation of WidePoint's ITMS portal that will streamline invoicing, billing and payment, device ordering, delivery processes, standardize reporting, auditing, and asset inventory management. Delivering CWMS in accordance with the DHS-wide BPA to provide USCG components with effective and affordable cellular wireless services. Providing USCG components with visibility into cost, schedule, technical performance, and risk associated with USCG's telecom asset management.

06:47 EDT Zhaopin shareholders approve merger agreement - Zhaopin announced that, at an extraordinary general meeting of shareholders held today, the Company's shareholders voted in favor of, among other things, the proposal to authorize and approve the previously announced agreement and plan of merger dated April 6, 2017, among the Company, SEEK International Investments Pty Ltd. and Zebra Mergerco, Ltd, pursuant to which Merger Company will be merged with and into the Company with the Company continuing as the surviving company, the plan of merger required to be filed with the Registrar of Companies of the Cayman Islands and the transactions contemplated by the Merger Agreement and the Plan of Merger, including the Merger

06:40 EDT Acushnet Holdings announces retirement of CEO Wally Uihlein, effective Jan 2018 - Acushnet Holdings announced that Wally Uihlein, President and CEO, has notified the Acushnet Board of Directors of his plan to retire, effective January 1, 2018. Uihlein started with Acushnet in 1976 and has been the senior golf executive since 1995. Uihlein will remain on the Acushnet Board of Directors and also become Advisor to the Chairman. Acushnet also announced that its Board of Directors has appointed David Maher, Acushnet's current COO, to succeed Uihlein as President and CEO, effective upon Uihlein's retirement. Maher joined the Company in 1991 and was appointed COO in June 2016. Prior to that, Maher was Senior Vice President, Titleist Worldwide Sales and Global Operations from February 2016 to June 2016 and Vice President, Titleist U.S. Sales from 2001 to January 2016.

06:36 EDT TapImmune appoints Peter Hoang as CEO - TapImmune announced that the company has appointed Peter Hoang as its president and CEO. Dr. Glynn Wilson, who was recently re-appointed as Chairman by the Board, will now serve in a new role as the company's Strategic Advisor. He most recently served as Senior Vice President of Business Development and Strategy at Bellicum Pharmaceuticals.

06:35 EDT AZZ Inc. cites Hurricane impact for lowering guidance - Tom Ferguson, president and CEO of AZZ Inc., commented, "Given recent events, we have completed a thorough evaluation of our businesses. We assessed the impact of the recent hurricanes - Harvey and Irma - on our refinery turnaround activity; market conditions in the US nuclear market with the closure of the VC Summer Nuclear Project and the ongoing fallout from the Westinghouse Nuclear bankruptcy; lower than expected electric utility spending in Saudi Arabia; and our current shippable backlog. Based on this evaluation we reduced our full year guidance for fiscal 2018."

06:33 EDT Clorox releases 2017 integrated annual report - The Clorox Company released its fiscal year 2017 integrated annual report, highlighting how key stakeholders, including consumers, communities and employees, spur progress against its 2020 Strategy and commitment to good growth. The following are highlights from Clorox's 2017 fiscal year performance and progress against its 2020 Strategy: $6B in net sales, including 3% incremental sales from product innovation. $5.35 diluted EPS from continuing operations, a 9% increase versus fiscal year 2016. $871M net cash from continuing operations, a 13% increase versus fiscal year 2016. 88% employee engagement, higher than peer consumer goods companies and high-performing companies globally. Diversity in corporate governance, including 33% minority board members, 33% female board members and 36% female Clorox Executive Committee members. Product sustainability improvements to 34% of the global product portfolio by the 2016 calendar year, achieved cumulatively since 2011.

06:30 EDT Colfax sells Fluid Handling business to CIRCOR for $860M

06:13 EDT CombiMatrix, Invitae merger set to close in 4Q17 - CombiMatrix (CBMX) announced it has set important dates for a special meeting of its stockholders to vote on matters related to the proposed merger with Invitae (NVTA). The special meeting of stockholders will be held at 1:00 pm, local time, on November 10, 2017, at the offices of Stradling Yocca Carlson & Rauth, P.C., 660 Newport Center Drive, Suite 1600, Newport Beach, California. CombiMatrix's stockholders of record as of the close of business on September 26, 2017 are entitled to receive notice of, and to vote at, the special meeting. The merger has been unanimously approved by the boards of directors of both companies. The proposed merger is expected to close in the fourth quarter of 2017.

06:10 EDT 22nd Century now free of restrictive license agreement with British American Tobacco - 22nd Century Group (XXII), a plant biotechnology company that is focused on tobacco harm reduction, is pleased to announce that the 2013 Research License and Commercial Option Agreement between the company and British American Tobacco (BTI) is now finished. BAT no longer has rights to any intellectual property or other assets of 22nd Century; 22nd Century is now again in sole control of the company's highly disruptive intellectual property portfolio relating to the ability to grow patent-protected Very Low Nicotine tobacco plants. Accordingly, the Company has recommenced discussions with global tobacco companies and international pharmaceutical companies that have expressed strong interest in a business relationship with 22nd Century but were, until now, unable to enter into a licensing agreement with 22nd Century due to restrictive covenants contained in the BAT agreement. Under the restrictive terms of the BAT agreement, annual royalties to 22nd Century were capped at $25M per year. Now that the agreement has been terminated, the Company is free to engage in licensing agreements and strategic partnerships with any and all tobacco companies - with no restrictions, limits, or "caps" on licensing royalties. This development is especially significant in light of the announcement made at the end of July by the United States FDA.

06:08 EDT Trian urges Procter & Gamble holders to vote for Peltz on WHITE proxy card - Trian Fund Management, whose investment funds beneficially own approximately $3.5B of shares of The Procter & Gamble Company, mailed a letter to its fellow shareholders encouraging them to cut through the noise generated by P&G's efforts to distract from its decade-long history of underperformance. Trian urges fellow P&G shareholders to help put an end to this underperformance and add a highly qualified shareholder to the Board by voting "FOR" Nelson Peltz at the Company's Annual Meeting of Shareholders on October 10, 2017. Over the years, Trian has observed a correlation between underperformance and the unwillingness to embrace outside perspectives, and it believes that fresh perspectives and a diversity of experiences are exactly what P&G needs to return to the kind of breakthrough innovation that has historically driven its growth and market leadership. As a highly qualified director with a material ownership stake and substantial industry experience, Trian believes strongly that Nelson Peltz has the skills and experience to accelerate positive change and help revitalize P&G. Trian reminds shareholders that they are being asked only to ADD one highly qualified shareholder to an 11-person Board - expanding it from 11 to 12 directors. If elected, Nelson Peltz will have a laser focus on improving long-term performance, regaining lost market share and creating sustainable long-term shareholder value. Numerous independent third parties agree. Trian's letter showcases some of the strong support Nelson Peltz has received, including from leading proxy advisory firm Glass Lewis, leading national media outlets and a major P&G shareholder, Yacktman Asset Management. Trian urges fellow shareholders to help revitalize P&G and to vote "FOR" Nelson Peltz on the WHITE Proxy Card.

06:05 EDT BP starts production from Khazzan gas field ahead of schedule, under budget - BP, together with the Ministry of Oil & Gas of the Sultanate of Oman, announced that production has begun from the giant Khazzan gas field, which is operated by BP in partnership with Oman Oil Company Exploration and Production. BP expects to start-up seven Upstream major projects in 2017 -- making it one of the most important years for commissioning new projects in BP's history. These seven projects are expected to make a significant contribution to the 800,000 barrels of oil equivalent per day of production that BP expects to add by 2020. Phase One of the Khazzan development is made up of 200 wells feeding into a two-train central processing facility. Phase One production is expected to plateau at 1 billion cubic feet of gas per day. Once the second phase of the Khazzan is fully up and running production is expected rise to 1.5 bcf/d. In total, approximately 300 wells are expected to be drilled over the estimated lifetime of the Khazzan field. Phases One and Two will together develop an estimated 10.5 trillion cubic feet of recoverable gas resources. Drilling efficiency has increased significantly during the development of the project. The average time to drill and complete a vertical well was reduced by 27% and a record time of 60 days was achieved for completion of one well.

06:03 EDT Sinovac reports preliminary top-line results from Varicella vaccine trial - Sinovac Biotech announced preliminary top-line data from its Phase III clinical trial assessing the efficacy, immunogenicity and safety of the company's proprietary Varicella vaccine against Chickenpox. The primary objective of the study was to evaluate the efficacy of the Varicella vaccine in the prevention of Chickenpox caused by Varicella-Zoster Virus, or VZV. The preliminary Phase III data showed that Sinovac's Varicella vaccine was 87.1% efficacious against Chickenpox caused by VZV. The double-blinded, randomized, placebo controlled Phase III clinical trial was conducted at two sites across China's Henan province. Approximately 6,000 healthy children from 1 to 12 years old completed the one dose vaccination schedule in the August of 2016, prior to the Chickenpox epidemic season in China, followed by an active monitoring period. In parallel, Sinovac conducted another clinical study that was comprised of 1,197 volunteers and designed to evaluate the consistency of three consecutive lots of Varicella vaccine manufactured by the company. The trial was conducted in children from 1 to 3 years old. After receiving the vaccine, the ratios of antibody GMTs on the 30th day of any two groups were calculated and the 95% confidence intervals of the ratios were all between 0.67 and 1.5, which indicates that the immunogenicity of the three vaccine lots is consistent. The study results showed consistent immune response for all three lots and a good safety profile. With immunogenicconsistency across the three consecutive lots, the results showed that Sinovac's vaccine production process and quality are stable. The production facility of Varicella vaccine has also reached commercial scale.

06:01 EDT NewLink Genetics enters clinical collaboration with AstraZeneca - NewLink Genetics (NLNK) announced that it has entered into a clinical collaboration agreement with AstraZeneca (AZN) to evaluate the combination of indoximod, NewLink Genetics' small molecule IDO pathway inhibitor, and durvalumab, AstraZeneca's anti-PD-L1 monoclonal antibody, along with standard of care chemotherapy for patients with metastatic pancreatic cancer. The primary objective for this randomized placebo-controlled, Phase 2 study is to evaluate the efficacy and safety of the immuno-oncology-based combination compared to gemcitabine/ABRAXANE alone. Patients will also be enrolled into a smaller cohort evaluating the combination of durvalumab with gemcitabine/ABRAXANE. The Phase 2 trial will be funded equally by both companies, with NewLink Genetics serving as the study sponsor. NewLink Genetics' share of the aggregate expense of the trial is not expected to have a material effect on its financial position.

05:58 EDT Unilever to acquire Carver Korea for EUR2.27B from Bain, Goldman Sachs - Unilever (UN, UL) announced that it has agreed to acquire Carver Korea, a skincare business in North Asia, for EUR2.27B, from Bain Capital Private Equity and Goldman Sachs (GS). Building on its origins as an aesthetics company supplying professional products to beauty salons, Carver has become the fastest-growing skincare business in South Korea, through sales of its brand, AHC. AHC's portfolio is focused on two high-demand consumer spaces: age management, and hydration and nourishment. The range includes the hero product: 'Eye Cream for Face', along with essences, toners, moisturizers, masks, and sun protection. The transaction is subject to customary regulatory approvals.

05:56 EDT ABB to buy General Electric's Industrial Solutions unit for $2.6B - ABB (ABB) announced the acquisition of GE Industrial Solutions, GE's (GE) global electrification solutions business. GE Industrial Solutions has deep customer relationships in more than 100 countries and an established installed base with strong roots in North America, ABB's biggest market. GE Industrial Solutions is headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, and has about 13,500 employees around the world. In 2016, GE Industrial Solutions had revenues of approximately $2.7B. ABB will acquire GE Industrial Solutions for $2.6B; the transaction will be operationally accretive in year one. ABB expects to realize approximately $200M of annual cost synergies in year five. s part of the transaction and overall value creation, ABB and GE have agreed to establish a long-term, strategic supply relationship for GE Industrial Solutions products and ABB products that GE sources today. GE Industrial Solutions will be integrated into ABB's Electrification Products division. Included in the acquisition is a long-term right to use the GE brand. ABB will retain the GE Industrial Solutions management team and build upon its experienced sales force. After closing, this transaction will have an initial dampening effect to EP's operational EBITA margin. ABB commits to returning EP to its target margin corridor of 15%-19% during 2020. Given this transaction, ABB has decided to put the previously announced share buyback program on hold. The transaction is expected to close in H1 2018, subject to customary regulatory clearances. Credit Suisse and Dyal Co. acted as financial advisors to ABB, and Davis Polk & Wardwell provided legal counsel.

05:46 EDT Cenovus Energy reaches agreement to sell Suffield assets for $512M - Cenovus Energy has entered into a definitive agreement to sell its Suffield crude oil and natural gas operations in southern Alberta to International Petroleum Corporation for gross cash proceeds of $512M. The parties have also agreed to a deferred purchase price adjustment that gives Cenovus the opportunity to benefit from potential additional payments of up to $36M. The sale of the Suffield assets, which include Cenovus's properties on Canadian Forces Base Suffield and the adjacent Alderson property, is expected to close in the fourth quarter, subject to closing conditions. Net proceeds from the Suffield sale, and those from the sale of Cenovus's Greater Pelican Lake assets announced on September 5, will be applied to reduce the company's $3.6B asset-sale bridge facility. Cenovus remains focused on reaching its target of being below two times net debt to adjusted EBITDA. The deferred purchase price adjustment is a two-year commitment that begins on January 1, 2018. Under the terms of the agreement, International Petroleum will make payments to Cenovus for each month in which the average daily price of West Texas Intermediate is above $55 per barrel or the price of Henry Hub natural gas is above $3.50 per million British thermal units. Deferred purchase price adjustment payments are capped for each commodity, with a maximum combined payment of $36M.