Stockwinners Market Radar for October 02, 2017 - Earnings, Upgrades downgrades, option trades, Best Stock Advisory Service

18:59 EDT Facebook: Roughly 10M people in U.S. saw Russian-bought ads - Facebook said that an estimated 10M people in the U.S. saw the advertisements bought by Russian groups trying to influence the 2016 U.S. election. The company added that 44% of the ads were seen before the U.S. election on November 8, 2016, while 56% were seen after the election. Roughly 25% of the ads were never shown to anyone. For 50% of the ads, less than $3 was spent; for 99% of the ads, less than $1,000 was spent. "As an increasingly important and widespread platform for political and social expression, we at Facebook - and all of us - must also take seriously the crucial place that free political speech occupies around the world in protecting democracy and the rights of those who are in the minority, who are oppressed or who have views that are not held by the majority or those in power," the company said. "Even when we have taken all steps to control abuse, there will be political and social content that will appear on our platform that people will find objectionable, and that we will find objectionable. We permit these messages because we share the values of free speech - that when the right to speech is censored or restricted for any of us, it diminishes the rights to speech for all of us, and that when people have the right and opportunity to engage in free and full political expression, over time, they will move forward, not backwards, in promoting democracy and the rights of all." Reference Link

18:45 EDT Hain Celestial CEO: Amazon.com, Whole Foods merger good for industry - Says expects 50% increase in brand marketing in FY17. Irwin Simon is speaking on CNBC.

18:24 EDT Frontier's Nielsen 'congratules' FCC chairman Pai's Senate confirmation - Frontier Communications general counsel and executive VP Mark Nielsen said, "Frontier Communications congratulates Chairman Pai on his Senate confirmation and new term leading the FCC. We also thank the Chairman for his keen understanding of the public benefits, and special challenges, of the wireline industry."

18:03 EDT Aegion to incur pre-tax impairment charge of about $85M in Q3 over restructuring - Aegion Corporation provided an update to the previously announced strategic actions and restructuring plan as well as related impacts to the third-quarter and full-year 2017 results. The company announced on August 1, 2017 a series of strategic actions to generate more predictable and sustainable long-term earnings growth. This announcement included: A plan to divest the Corrosion Protection platform's pipe coating and insulation business in Louisiana; the exit of the Infrastructure Solutions platform's North America activity for non-pressure pipe contract applications of the Tyfo Fibrwrap system; the restructuring of the Corrosion Protection platform's operations in Canada; the implementation of cost reduction initiatives across the company. As part of the repositioning of the Infrastructure Solutions platform's Tyfo Fibrwrap system operations in North America, the Company performed an impairment assessment of the long-lived assets and goodwill for the Fyfe reporting unit. As a result, the company will incur a non-cash, pre-tax impairment charge of approximately $85M for long-lived intangibles and goodwill in the third quarter of 2017. During the third quarter of 2017, the company also completed a detailed assessment of the Infrastructure Solutions businesses in Australia and Denmark that resulted in a restructuring program in both countries. Annual savings are expected to be between $2M-$3M in Australia and Denmark, with cash restructuring costs of $3M-$4M. Total annual savings from all restructuring activities and other cost reduction initiatives are estimated to be in excess of $17M and expected to be fully realized in 2018. Approximately $3M of annual savings are also anticipated to be realized from the reduction in annual amortization of intangibles. Total cash costs associated with the restructuring actions are estimated to be $12M-$15M. The strong order momentum achieved by Aegion in the first half of the year continued across all three platforms in the third quarter despite the challenges from Hurricanes Harvey and Irma in two key markets. The company continued to have performance issues in the portions of the business subject to restructuring actions, which combined with the impact on operations from the hurricanes are expected to impact third-quarter operating results by approximately $5M, or 10c per diluted share.

17:35 EDT Ignyta announces new preclinical data for RXDX-106 - Ignyta announced new preclinical data for RXDX-106 - a novel immunomodulatory agent with potent anti-tumor activity, alone and in combination with checkpoint inhibitors, that appears to restore and enhance overall immune function by reversing immunosuppression of innate immune cells in the tumor microenvironment (TME) through TYRO3, AXL, and MER receptor tyrosine kinase inhibition. The data were presented in a poster session at the American Association for Cancer Research Special Conference on Tumor Immunology and Immunotherapy in Boston, Massachusetts. "We continue to be excited by the preclinical profile of RXDX-106 and its potential to elicit and potentiate an immune response to cancer, both as a single agent and combined with checkpoint inhibitors," said Jonathan Lim, M.D., chairman and CEO of Ignyta. "TAM receptors are novel immuno-oncologic RTK targets for precision medicine therapies such as RXDX-106, which we are eager to bring into the clinic as soon as possible to potentially help patients in their fight against cancer." In the study, researchers demonstrated immune-mediated, single-agent anti-tumor activity of RXDX-106 in multiple tumor models. The anti-tumor effect was further enhanced by combination therapy with immune checkpoint inhibitors, potentially by reversing immunosuppression of innate immunity in the TME. The data also suggest that RXDX-106 has a novel mechanism of enhancing overall immune function by activating both innate and adaptive immunity, as observed by treatment-mediated changes in relevant cytokine levels and immune cell biomarkers, and regulating cross-talk between immune and cancer cells. These promising early findings support further development of RXDX-106 to potentially treat a wide variety of cancers.

17:32 EDT VF Corp. sees Williamson-Dickie acquisition adding $200M of revenue in FY17 - VF Corporation announced that it has completed its previously announced acquisition of Williamson-Dickie Mfg. Co., a family-owned, private workwear company, for $820M in cash, adjusted for closing and working capital changes. As a result of the transaction, Williamson-Dickie has become a wholly owned subsidiary of VF Corporation. For 2017, Williamson-Dickie is expected to contribute approximately $200M of revenue and approximately 2c to VF's earnings per share, excluding transaction and other deal-related expenses. By 2021, Williamson-Dickie is expected to contribute more than $1B of revenue, which will accelerate VF's revenue to over $15B and earnings per share to more than $5.00.

17:26 EDT Adage Capital reports 6.05% passive stake in AnaptysBio

17:22 EDT Canada Competition Bureau still reviewing Pembina and Veresen merger - The Competition Bureau continues to actively review competition concerns related to Pembina Pipeline's (PBA) acquisition of Veresen (FCGYF) despite the parties' announcement that the transaction closed today. The Bureau's review is focused on the parties' ethane transportation assets in Canada. The Competition Act allows for a one-year period following the completion of a transaction during which the Commissioner may bring an application to the Competition Tribunal challenging the transaction.

17:17 EDT Atkore acquires Calpipe Industries, terms not disclosed - Atkore International Group announced that it has acquired Calpipe Industries, a market leader for electrical conduit systems for corrosive environments and security bollards for high security, access control and architectural environments. "We're excited to have Calpipe join the Atkore family and provide enhancements to our product portfolio with stainless steel and PVC coated conduit systems that provide superior corrosion protection," commented Bill Waltz, Group President-Electrical Raceway at Atkore. "This transaction will add approximately $70 million in annual revenue at margins accretive to Atkore. More importantly, it exemplifies our commitment to continue offering premier electrical products that meet varying customers' needs in an ever-changing marketplace." Calpipe Industries is headquartered in Rancho Dominquez, California and will continue operating at their current locations under their flagship name. Terms of the sale are undisclosed.

17:08 EDT Viking Global reports 5.6% passive stake in Abeona Therapeutics

16:59 EDT Sirius XM Radio reports 15.96% stake in Pandora

16:48 EDT Bazaarvoice in pact with holder Viex Capital Advisors - On September 27, Bazaarvoice entered into an agreement with Viex Capital Advisors and certain of its affiliates named, which beneficially own approximately 3.7% of the outstanding common stock of the company The agreement provides that the Board will recommend, support and solicit proxies for (i) the approval of the Declassification Proposal and (ii) the election of the New Independent Director in the same manner as the election of the Class III Incumbent Director at the 2017 Annual Meeting. For so long as Viex continues to hold at least 2% of the company's outstanding common stock, if the New Independent Director is unable to serve as a director, resigns as a director or is removed during the Standstill Period, the company shall appoint a mutually agreed upon replacement director. The company also agreed until the date that is ten business days prior to the deadline for the submission of stockholder proposals for the 2018 Annual Meeting pursuant to the company's bylaws, the Board, so long as Viex continues to hold at least 2% of the Company's outstanding common stock, will not be increased to more than seven members, nor will the Company seek to change the classes on which directors serve without the prior written consent of Viex.

16:35 EDT Equifax: Personal info of roughly 8,000 Canadian consumers impacted

16:35 EDT Equifax: No evidence attackers accessed databases located outside U.S.

16:34 EDT Equifax: Roughly 2.5M additional U.S. consumers impacted by cyber attack - Equifax announced that the cybersecurity firm Mandiant has completed the forensic portion of its investigation of the cybersecurity incident disclosed on September 7 to finalize the consumers potentially impacted. In the Sept. 7 announcement advising the public of the cybersecurity incident, Equifax said, "While the company's investigation is substantially complete, it remains ongoing and is expected to be completed in the coming weeks." Mandiant, the cybersecurity firm retained by Equifax to investigate the breach, advised the company Sunday that it has completed its forensic analysis of the consumers potentially impacted by the incident. The completed review determined that approximately 2.5M additional U.S. consumers were potentially impacted, for a total of 145.5M. Mandiant did not identify any evidence of additional or new attacker activity or any access to new databases or tables. Instead, this additional population of consumers was confirmed during Mandiant's completion of the remaining investigative tasks and quality assurance procedures built into the investigative process. The completed review also has concluded that there is no evidence the attackers accessed databases located outside of the United States. With respect to potentially impacted Canadian citizens, the company previously had stated that there may have been up to 100,000 Canadian citizens impacted, but that number was preliminary and did not materialize. The completed review subsequently determined that personal information of approximately 8,000 Canadian consumers was impacted. In addition, it also was determined that some of the consumers with affected credit cards announced in the company's initial statement are Canadian. The company will mail written notice to all of the potentially impacted Canadian citizens. The forensic investigation related to United Kingdom consumers has been completed and the resulting information is now being analyzed in the United Kingdom. Equifax is continuing discussions with regulators in the United Kingdom regarding the scope of the company's consumer notifications as the analysis of the completed forensic investigation is completed. To be clear, the individuals identified in this update, and the unauthorized access of information, all relate to the cybersecurity incident disclosed on Sept. 7. To minimize confusion, Equifax will mail written notices to all of the additional potentially impacted U.S. consumers identified since the Sept. 7 announcement. The feature on the website that U.S. consumers may use to determine whether they may have been impacted will be updated to reflect the additional potentially impacted U.S. consumers discussed in this release by no later than October 8.

16:32 EDT Monmouth Real Estate announces 6.25% increase in quarterly dividend to 17c - Monmouth Real Estate announced that its Board of Directors approved a 6.25% increase in the company's quarterly common stock dividend, raising it to 17c per share from 16c per share. The dividend is payable December 15 to shareholders of record at the close of business on November 15. This represents an annualized dividend rate of 68c per share. Monmouth has maintained or increased its cash dividend for 26 consecutive years.

16:31 EDT Esperion completes patient enrollment in Phase 3 program for bempedoic acid - Esperion Therapeutics announced the completion of patient enrollment in the global pivotal phase 3 program for bempedoic acid. Top-line results from Studies 1, 3 and 4 are expected in the second quarter of 2018, with top-line results from Study 2 expected in the third quarter of 2018. The pivotal Phase 3 program for the bempedoic acid / ezetimibe combination pill remains on track to initiate this quarter, with top-line results expected by the fourth quarter of 2018. The four Phase 3 studies comprising the global pivotal Phase 3 program for bempedoic acid along with the single Phase 3 bridging study for the combination pill are expected to support two New Drug Application submissions for LDL-C lowering indications for the bempedoic acid / ezetimibe combination pill and bempedoic acid by the first quarter of 2019.

16:24 EDT Callon Petroleum revises production guidance to 22,450-22,600 BOE/D for Q3 - Callon Petroleum announced a revised production guidance range of 22,450 to 22,600 barrels of oil equivalent per day for the third quarter of 2017, reduced from a previous guidance range of 23,000 to 25,000 Boe/d. Prior guidance of 77% oil production and estimates for expenses and operational capital expenditures for the third quarter are unchanged. The revision is related in part to a heightened level of non-productive time during the completion of wells in the quarter caused by an approximate 20% reduction in average efficiency across all vendors involved with completion operations compared to the second quarter of 2017. As a result, cycle times for wells were extended and associated production contributions were delayed. Moreover, these increased cycle times also lengthened the amount of production downtime from offsetting wells that were shut-in for the completion operation and, hence, delayed the timing of returning wells to production. Over 2,500 net Boe/d of established production from offsetting wells was affected by completion operations in the quarter. The company also revised its full-year 2017 production guidance to a range of 22,000 to 23,000 Boe/d.

16:18 EDT Scientific Games names Shawn Dennis as Chief Marketing Officer - Scientific Games announced the appointment of Shawn Dennis as EVP & Chief Marketing Officer, reporting directly to CEO and President Kevin Sheehan. A 25-year veteran of entertainment, consumer products and sports marketing industries, Dennis previously served as Global Head of Brand and Franchise for DreamWorks Animation and Chief Marketing Officer for American Girl, Dell and the National Football League.

16:17 EDT Diplomat Pharmacy acquires 8th Day Software - Diplomat Pharmacy has acquired 8th Day Software and Consulting and named its founder as Diplomat's chief information officer. 8th Day Software, based in Tennessee, will operate under Diplomat subsidiary Envoy Health Management. 8th Day expands EnvoyHealth's service offerings for health care partners to include IT outsourcing, consulting, and product development.

16:17 EDT Boston Scientific to acquire Apama Medical for $175M cash up-front - Boston Scientific announced a definitive agreement to acquire Apama Medical, a privately-held company that is developing the Apama Radiofrequency Balloon Catheter System for the treatment of atrial fibrillation. The transaction consists of $175M in cash up-front and a maximum of $125M in contingent payments over the period of 2018-2020 based on achievements of clinical and regulatory milestones. The Apama RF balloon is currently being studied in clinical trials in Europe to serve as the basis for CE mark approval, which is expected in late 2018. Apama is based in Campbell, California, with approximately 40 employees.The acquisition is projected to close during the fourth quarter of 2017, subject to customary closing conditions. On an adjusted basis, the transaction is expected to be immaterial to Boston Scientific adjusted earnings per share for 2017 and 2018. The transition is expected to be more dilutive on a GAAP basis, due to amortization expense, transaction, and integration related costs.

16:15 EDT Tesla delivers 26,150 vehicles in Q3 - In Q3, Tesla delivered 26,150 vehicles, of which 14,065 were Model S, 11,865 were Model X, and 220 were Model 3. This was Teslea's all-time best quarter for Model S and X deliveries, representing a 4.5% increase over Q3 of 2016, its previous best quarter, and a 17.7% increase over Q2 of 2017. Tesla had previously indicated that second half Model S and X deliveries would likely exceed first half deliveries of 47,077, but Tesla now expects to exceed that by several thousand vehicles. In total, the company expects to deliver about 100,000 Model S and X vehicles in 2017, which would be a 31% increase over 2016. In addition to Q3 deliveries, about 4,820 Model S and X vehicles were in transit to customers at the end of the quarter. These will be counted as deliveries in Q4. Q3 production totaled 25,336 vehicles, with 260 of them being Model 3. Model 3 production was less than anticipated due to production bottlenecks. Although the vast majority of manufacturing subsystems at both our California car plant and our Nevada Gigafactory are able to operate at high rate, a handful have taken longer to activate than expected. It is important to emphasize that there are no fundamental issues with the Model 3 production or supply chain. Tesla understands what needs to be fixed and is confident of addressing the manufacturing bottleneck issues in the near-term.

16:09 EDT Bank of the Ozarks raises quarterly dividend 2.78% to 18.5c per share - Bank of the Ozarks announced its board of directors has approved a regular quarterly cash dividend of 18.5c per common share payable October 20, 2017 to shareholders of record as of October 13, 2017. The dividend of 18.5c per common share represents an increase of 0.5c per common share, or 2.78%, over the dividend paid in the previous quarter. Bank of the Ozarks has increased its quarterly cash dividend in each of the last twenty-nine quarters.

16:08 EDT Baker Hughes elects CEO Lorenzo Simonelli as chairman of the board - Baker Hughes (BHGE) announced that its board of directors has elected president and CEO Lorenzo Simonelli as chairman of the BHGE board, effective October 2. Simonelli will continue in his president and CEO role, which he has held since the closing of the combination of Baker Hughes Incorporated and General Electric's (GE) Oil and Gas business on July 3. Simonelli replaces former GE chairman and CEO Jeff Immelt, who retired from the BHGE board of directors effective October 2.

16:08 EDT Integra LifeSciences completes acquisition of Johnson & Johnson business - Integra LifeSciences Holdings Corporation (IART) announced that it has completed the previously announced acquisition of the Johnson & Johnson (JNJ) Codman Neurosurgery business for approximately $1.045B less customary adjustments, enhancing Integra's position as a leading global provider of neurosurgical products.

16:04 EDT Immelt retires from GE board, Baker Hughes board - GE (GE) announced that effective October 2, 2017, Jeffrey R. Immelt retired as a director and chairman of General Electric Company's board of directors in light of Immelt's determination that the CEO transition has proceeded smoothly and that John L. Flannery, CEO, director and Chair-Elect, was ready to succeed Immelt as chairman of the board. The board concurred and elected Flannery as chairman of the board effective October 2, 2017. Effective October 2, 2017, Immelt also retired as a director and chairman of the board of Baker Hughes, a GE company (BHGE). The BHGE board elected Lorenzo Simonelli, President and Chief Executive Officer of BHGE, to succeed Immelt as Chairman and elected W. Geoffrey Beattie to serve as lead independent director.

16:03 EDT Sandstorm sold approximately 14,290 gold equivalent ounces in Q3 - Sandstorm Gold is pleased to report the attributable gold equivalent ounces sold during the third quarter of 2017 and recent updates from the company's royalty properties. Sandstorm Sells 14,290 Gold Equivalent Ounces in Q3 Sandstorm sold approximately 14,290 gold equivalent ounces during the third quarter of 2017, the second highest quarterly total in Company history. The attributable gold equivalent ounces were delivered from 20 royalty assets. During the first 9 months of 2017 Sandstorm has sold approximately 42,600 gold equivalent ounces, consistent with the Company's sales forecast for the 2017 year of between 50,000 and 55,000 gold equivalent ounces. The Company is forecasting attributable gold equivalent production of approximately 130,000 ounces per annum in 2022. Sandstorm President and CEO Nolan Watson commented, "I'm glad to report that after three quarters we are on track to meet our stated production guidance for the year. Our royalty portfolio has reached a critical mass and is generating reliable cash flow from our producing assets and there are a number of exciting projects

16:02 EDT ManTech completes acquisition of InfoZen - ManTech International Corporation announced that it has completed the acquisition of InfoZen for $180M in cash. ManTech funded the acquisition from cash on hand and its existing line of credit. InfoZen is expected to add approximately $25M of revenue to the remainder of ManTech's fiscal year and Q4.

15:38 EDT Moody's upgrades Nvidia's senior unsecured rating to A3; outlook positive - Nvidia's A3 senior unsecured rating reflects the company's strong position in growing markets of visual computing, led by the gaming sector, along with the high performance data center, automotive and enterprise graphics end markets. Based on the acceleration of data-intensive computing coupled with Nvidia's broadening range of accelerated computing offerings, Moody's expects Nvidia's strong financial performance will continue over the intermediate term. The company's growing profitability, strong cash flow, robust liquidity, modest leverage, and a balanced capital allocation philosophy also support the rating. Strong revenue growth with modestly expanding gross margins, and importantly, Nvidia's use of one architecture across its product lines that leverages a common investment in R&D, contribute to our expectations of low-to-mid 30% EBITDA margins and free cash flow in excess of $2B over the next year.

15:11 EDT Live Nation says 'will do everything in our power' to support shooting victims - Live Nation issued the following statement on the Route 91 Harvest Festival tragedy: "We are heartbroken over the tragedy that took place at the Route 91 Harvest festival. To think that anyone would want to inflict harm on a gathering of music lovers is beyond our comprehension. And while we are stunned and grieving over this incomprehensible act of violence, we know that this is a moment when we must come together to prevent more tragedies like this from occurring. Live Nation will do everything in our power to support the victims and their families through the aftermath of this horrendous event and extends our deepest gratitude to the heroic first responders who helped save as many lives as possible. To our Live Nation on-site employees, we cannot thank you enough for your bravery and perseverance over the past 24 hours and will ensure you have the resources and support necessary to heal from this."

14:46 EDT Live Nation CEO says 'hearts are with victims' after concert shooting - Live Nation President/CEO Michael Rapino tweeted, as did the company's official Twitter account: "Our hearts are with you Las Vegas. Thoughts and prayers to all those affected, their families and loved ones." The Route 91 Harvest Music Festival, which was the site of the tragic shooting that resulted in 58 people being killed and hundreds of others being injured, is an open-air festival organized by Live Nation. Reference Link

14:31 EDT MiMedx completes previously communicated divestiture of Stability Biologics - MiMedx announced that it has completed the previously communicated divestiture of the company's subsidiary, Stability Biologics, back to the former stockholders of Stability Inc. The transaction closed on September 30. As previously reported, consideration included a promissory note issued by Stability Biologics in the principal amount of $3.5M in favor of MiMedx and the company expects to book a one-time gain on this transaction. The amount of the gain will be disclosed in the company's third quarter earnings release, MiMedx noted.

14:24 EDT Icahn Enterprises acquires American Driveline Systems, terms not disclosed - Icahn Enterprises announced that it has acquired American Driveline Systems from Transom Capital Group through a wholly-owned subsidiary. ADS is the franchisor of AAMCO and Cottman Transmission & Total Auto Care service centers, with approximately 680 locations in the U.S. and Canada. With the addition of ADS, Icahn Automotive operates approximately 1,900 owned and franchised service locations in 49 states plus Puerto Rico, the District of Columbia, and several other international locations.

14:19 EDT Google says working to prevent errors like inaccurate 4chan shooter report - After it was discovered that for a period this morning Google searches were displaying links to a far-right 4chan message board that wrongly identified Geary Danley as the shooter in the tragedy in Las Vegas, a Google spokesperson told outlets including the New York Times, The Hill and Gizmodo: "Unfortunately, early this morning we were briefly surfacing an inaccurate 4chan website in our Search results for a small number of queries. Within hours, the 4chan story was algorithmically replaced by relevant results. This should not have appeared for any queries, and we'll continue to make algorithmic improvements to prevent this from happening in the future." Reference Link

13:41 EDT Teligent announces FDA approval of partnered ANDA for Desonide Lotion - Teligent (TLGT) announced it has received approval of the company's partnered abbreviated new drug application from the U.S. FDA of Desonide Lotion, 0.05%. This product was submitted under a partnered development agreement by Teligent with Impax Laboratories (IPXL). Jason Grenfell-Gardner, President and CEO of the company, said, "Our team will manufacture this product for our partner, Impax Laboratories, and they currently plan to launch the product in the fourth quarter of 2017." This is Teligent's first approval received under its development agreement with Impax, the company noted.

13:32 EDT Nacco Industries completes spinoff of Hamilton Beach Brands - NACCO Industries (NC) announced the spinoff of its housewares-related business to NACCO stockholders of record as of Tuesday, September 26 was completed on Friday, September 29. At the close of business on Friday, NACCO distributed a dividend of one share of Hamilton Beach Brands Holding Company Class A (HBB) and one share of Hamilton Beach Brands Holding Company Class B Common stock to holders of each share of NACCO Class A and Class B Common stock.

13:06 EDT Harris receives $260M order for Asia-Pacific country's modernization program - Harris Corporation has received a $260M order to develop an integrated tactical communications network as part of an Asia-Pacific country's modernization program. The order was received in Q1 of FY18. The integrated network solution will include tactical radios, network planning, monitoring and routing software, and other systems and technology from Harris and partnering companies. The solution will feature Harris' Falcon III AN/PRC-158 multi-channel manpack radios and vehicular amplifiers and provide voice and data services to tactical forces for line-of-sight and beyond-line-of-sight applications.

13:01 EDT Cemex to supply 320,000 cubic meters of concrete for Mexico City airport - CEMEX announced that it will supply 320,000 cubic meters of concrete for the Terminal Building of Mexico City's New International Airport. CEMEX previously announced the supply of approximately 845,000 cubic meters of concrete-which together with the quantity that the company has already supplied to this large-scale project would amount to 1,200,000 cubic meters of concrete. In addition to the Terminal, CEMEX previously announced the supply of 845,000 cubic meters of concrete for the construction of Runway 2, of which 770,000 cubic meters will be utilized for the cemented base.

12:38 EDT FDA head says events in database not necessarily caused by drug - The FDA released a statement from Commissioner Scott Gottlieb, M.D., on the agency's Adverse Event Reporting System, or FAERS, and new search tool. Last Thursday, the FDA launched a new dashboard to facilitate access to reports of adverse drug reactions. Speculation over patient deaths drove stock volatility in Friday's trading, including selloffs in Sarepta Therapeutics (SRPT) and Ionis Pharmaceuticals (IONS). "The database is used as a surveillance tool to help the agency look for new safety concerns that might be related to a marketed product. It is also used to evaluate a manufacturer's compliance with reporting regulations and responding to outside requests for information," Gottlieb explains. "By making the FAERS database more easily accessible through the dashboard, the agency's goal is to better inform patients and health care professionals of adverse events reported with drug and biologic products. FAERS can be a valuable tool but it is just one of many data sets that helps inform the agency of possible problems associated with a product," he adds. The Commissioner also cautions, "While the FAERS dashboard now offers stakeholders many more ways of searching for and organizing data on adverse events reported to the FDA for many drug and biologic products, there remain limitations to the data. For example, while FAERS contains reports on adverse events associated with a particular drug or biologic, this does not mean that the drug or biologic caused the adverse event. Importantly, the FAERS data by themselves are not an indicator of the safety profile of the drug or biologic. Patients should still talk to their health care professional if they have any concerns regarding their medications." Sarepta shares today are up 7% to $48.60 on the heels of an analyst upgrade at Morgan Stanley. Ionis is up 2% to $51.69 in midday trading. Reference Link

12:34 EDT Coca-Cola acquires Topo Chico premium sparkling mineral water - Coca-Cola North America (KO) announced the acquisition of the fast-growing Topo Chico premium sparkling mineral water. Topo Chico will continue to be imported from the same natural source in Cerro del Topo Chico in northern Mexico where it has been bottled exclusively since 1895. National Beverage's (FIZZ) LaCroix sparkling water brand competes in the space. National Beverage is down 6.13% to $116.44 in afternoon trading.

12:10 EDT Gun makers rise after Las Vegas shooting - Shares of firearm manufacturers soared in the immediate aftermath of the deadliest shooting in United States history, with Smith & Wesson parent American Outdoor Brands Corporation (AOBC) and Sturm Ruger & Company (RGR) both gaining over 3% at midday. LAS VEGAS SHOOTING: Sunday night, "lone wolf" Stephen Paddock killed at least 50 people and wounded more than 400 at an open air concert at MGM Resorts' (MGM) Mandalay Bay Hotel and Casino before being fatally shot, according to law enforcement officials. POTENTIAL REGULATORY REACTION: Analysts have opined that the regulatory environment is one of the largest drivers for gun demand, with fears of tighter regulation spurring gun sales and gun maker stocks in the past. RECENT WEDBUSH UPGRADE: On September 25, Wedbush upgraded American Outdoor Brands to Outperform from Neutral, saying a recent survey of gun owners painted a "picture of a group that is far from satisfied with their current level of ownership, and who anticipate an even higher level of gun purchases over the next year vs. the last." The firm noted that there was, at that time, a lack of urgency for gun buyers. SILENCER LEGISLATION: The U.S. House of Representatives is set to move forward with a vote on a gun lobby-backed bill that would deregulate the sale of gun silencers. The Sportsmen Heritage and Recreational Enhancement Act, or SHARE Act, would remove gun silencers from the list of items regulated by the 1934 National Firearms Act, and could be voted on as soon as this week, according to reports. The legislation had previously been delayed when Rep. Steve Scalise was shot at a Congressional baseball practice in June. PRICE ACTION: Near noon, American Outdoor shares are up 3.6% to $15.80 while Sturm Ruger is up 3.3% to $53.40 per share.

12:06 EDT General Motors to introduce two new all-electric vehicles in next 18 months - General Motors announced that in the next 18 months the company will introduce two new all-electric vehicles based off learnings from the Chevrolet Bolt EV. They will be the first of at least 20 new all-electric vehicles that will launch by 2023. "General Motors believes in an all-electric future. Although that future won't happen overnight, GM is committed to driving increased usage and acceptance of electric vehicles through no-compromise solutions that meet our customers' needs," said Mark Reuss, General Motors executive vice president of Product Development, Purchasing and Supply Chain.

12:01 EDT NACCO Industries trading halted, news pending

11:57 EDT Wabtec acquires AM General Contractor; terms not disclosed - Wabtec Corporation has acquired AM General Contractor, a manufacturer of safety systems, mainly for transit rail cars. Based in Europe, AM has annual sales of about $25M. AM manufactures primarily fire protection and extinguishing systems, including a patented, infra-red technology solution. The company also provides related aftermarket services and components for both rail and industrial markets.

11:39 EDT Richmont Mines acquires 19.9% stake in Monarques Gold - Richmont Mines announces that it has acquired 40,348,203 common shares of Monarques Gold, representing approximately 19.9% of the outstanding common shares. Prior to such acquisition, the corporation did not own any common shares of Monarques. "Richmont holds its interest in the common shares for investment purposes and will continue to monitor the business, prospects, financial condition and potential capital requirements of Monarques. Depending on its evaluation of these and other factors, Richmont may from time to time in the future increase or decrease its direct or indirect ownership," the company said.

11:36 EDT Monecor reports 17.03% passive stake in Finish Line

11:04 EDT Oracle introduces digital innovation platform for open banking - Oracle announced momentum for its open banking initiative, which includes a comprehensive set of PaaS capabilities as well as an open API framework enabling banks and fintechs to collaborate on a common cloud platform. This digital innovation platform for open banking enables the development and deployment of fintech capabilities on a single platform in the public cloud.

10:46 EDT Endocyte jumps over 80% after 'transformational' transaction - Endocyte announced the completion of an exclusive worldwide license of PSMA-617 from ABX GmbH. Endocyte intends to move quickly into Phase 3 development of 177Lu-PSMA-617, a radioligand therapeutic, RLT, that targets the prostate-specific membrane antigen, PSMA, present in approximately 80% of patients with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer, mCRPC...This transaction is transformational to Endocyte, accelerating our path to commercialization. 177Lu-PSMA-617 has the potential to be the first-in-class RLT to address both bone and soft tissue disease, and it is profoundly important to the many patients suffering from mCRPC," said Mike Sherman, president and CEO of Endocyte. "Our experience with PSMA targeting and companion imaging development, in addition to our relationships with distinguished prostate cancer investigators from around the world, uniquely position Endocyte to lead this therapy to registration. We intend to seek regulatory approval to initiate a Phase 3 registration trial of 177Lu-PSMA-617 in early 2018. By focusing the company's resources on the execution of this program, we project trial completion as early as 2020." Under the terms of the agreement, Endocyte has exclusive worldwide rights to develop and commercialize PSMA-617. Endocyte has made an upfront payment of $12 million to ABX. In addition, Endocyte issued 2 million shares of Endocyte common stock to ABX and issued a warrant for the purchase of up to 4 million additional shares of Endocyte common stock. ABX is eligible for regulatory and commercial milestones of up to $160 million, and tiered royalties beginning in the mid-teens. Shares of Endocyte are up 80% to $2.53 in morning trading.

10:30 EDT Jefferies cuts PepsiCo while peer calls out takeover potential - This morning, Jefferies analyst Kevin Grundy downgraded PepsiCo (PEP) to Hold given a myriad of headwinds facing the snack and soda giant. Meanwhile, his peer at Susquehanna argued in a note of his own that he continues to see the company as "the next logical target" for AB InBev (BUD) in a joint bid with Kraft Heinz (KHC). MOVING TO THE SIDELINES: In a research note to investors this morning, Jefferies' Grundy downgraded PepsiCo to Hold from Buy, given slowing North America beverage trends, contracting food multiples, high exposure to the difficult U.S. environment, and a likely need for reinvestment that should cap the stock over the next 12 months. The analyst pointed out that the food and beverage company is losing market share in some 85% of its beverage portfolio over the long-term in tracked channels. Further, Grundy believes that the upside from productivity savings now has "less merit." The analyst also lowered his price target on the shares to $108 from $133. 'LOGICAL TARGET': In a research note of his own, Susquehanna analyst Pablo Zuanic told investors he projects year-to-date and third quarter earnings below consensus when PepsiCo reports on Wednesday, given weaker than expected trends for Quaker and its beverages segment. However, the analyst noted that he stays Positive on the stock as he continues to see PepsiCo as the "next logical target" for AB InBev, possibly in a joint bid with Kraft Heinz. Further, Zuanic argued that this could happen earlier than expected if Kraft Heinz gives up on Unilever (UN; UL) or a pure food play. The analyst reiterated a Neutral rating and $135 price target on PepsiCo's shares on valuation and fundamentals. PRICE TARGET: In morning trading, shares of PepsiCo have dropped about 1% to $110.20.

10:19 EDT Resonant signs second ISN Foundry engagement agreement - Resonant announced that it has signed its second ISN Foundry Engagement Agreement with an established branded filter company serving China, Korea, Taiwan and the United States.The new agreement broadens Resonant's offerings to include the vendor's full foundry services and capabilities for backend and packaging. The agreement leverages Resonant's Infinite Synthesized Network Foundry Program, whose eco-system includes non-captive filter foundries, as well as backend and packaging partners, enabling the first fabless filter eco-system, which provides licensees with more foundry choices and services in the emerging module market.

09:41 EDT Redfin expands 1% listing fee to 18 more markets - Redfin announced it has extended its 1% listing fee to home sellers in 18 added markets, meaning that now approximately 80% of Redfin's home-selling customers will pay 1% of the final sale price as a fee, according to the company. The lowered listing fee is being offset by a reduction of the Redfin refund for buyers in the new 1% listing markets, Redfin added.

09:31 EDT Pershing Square to host live webcast for ADP shareholders on October 10 - Pershing Square Capital Management announced that it will host a live webcast for all ADP shareholders on Tuesday, October 10, at 7:00 PM EDT at www.ADPascending.com. Pershing Square previously hosted an in-depth webcast on August 17, 2017 primarily for institutional investors who were interested in understanding the detailed research and analysis that Pershing Square conducted prior to investing in ADP. The October 10th webcast will be held in the evening to give all shareholders - particularly retail shareholders and other individual investors - a chance to understand the significant opportunity for improvement at ADP. "We're always delighted to have in-depth discussions with interested ADP shareholders," said Pershing Square CEO Bill Ackman. "The investment case is simple: ADP has a significant opportunity for margin expansion and accelerated earnings growth. We know the opportunity exists because ADP's competitors have significantly higher margins than ADP, and two businesses previously owned by ADP achieved very substantial margin expansion once they were freed from ADP's ownership and control. ADP deserves better than today's status quo."

09:21 EDT Axalta Coating names Robert Ferris as Chief Communications Officer - Axalta Coating Systems (AXTA) announced that Robert Ferris has joined the company as VP of Corporate Affairs and Chief Communications Officer. As chief company spokesperson, he will be responsible for developing and executing internal and external communications strategy and will also oversee the company's global corporate social responsibility initiatives. Over the course of almost 13 years at Honeywell (HON) Ferris was chief spokesperson on all global corporate and financial media, developed and executed a corporate thought leadership strategy, and was a member of its global communications leadership council and global government relations team.

09:14 EDT Roku announces five new streaming players, Roku OS 8 - Roku announced five new streaming players "giving people who enjoy TV better ways to connect to the streaming entertainment they love. The new line up includes a range of player models that offer better performance, improved wireless reception, new convenience features and greater value than ever before. Starting at just $29.99 MSRP, the new more powerful Roku Express makes HD streaming easy while those who want Roku's ultimate player can get the new lower-priced $99.99 MSRP Roku Ultra. In addition, today the company also unveiled the newest version of its operating system, Roku OS 8."

09:11 EDT Land & Buildings issues open letter to Taubman Centers board - Land & Buildings Investment Management issued an open letter to the Board of Directors of Taubman Centers regarding the Board's unilateral adoption of an exclusive forum By-Law amendment on September 29, 2017, which serves to further disenfranchise shareholders despite the Company's touted commitment to enhancing corporate governance at Taubman. In just 15 months, six director candidates, a majority of the Board, could be nominated setting the stage for the Taubman Family to lose their grip on the Board if the horrible share price performance, dismal earnings and poor capital allocation persist.

09:07 EDT Arsenal announces sale of Accella Performance Materials to Carlisle for $670M - Arsenal Capital Partners announced that it has signed a definitive agreement to sell Accella Performance Materials to Carlisle Companies for $670M. Accella offers a broad range of polyurethane products and solutions across many markets and applications globally. The company, headquartered in Maryland Heights, Missouri, has annualized revenue of approximately $430M and operates out of 10 manufacturing facilities and seven R&D laboratories in the U.S., Germany, and China. This transaction represents the third exit in 2017 from Arsenal's third fund, following the sales of Flowchem to KMG Chemicals in June 2017 and Certara to EQT in August 2017. Cumulatively these three exits represent $2B of enterprise value, a $1.5B increase from initial acquisition. Arsenal continues to invest in new portfolio companies from its $1.3B fourth fund raised in 2016, including recent acquisitions of PolyOne Corporation's Designed Structures and Solutions business in July 2017 and of Cyalume Technologies in September 2017. The transaction is subject to customary closing conditions and regulatory approvals, and is expected to be completed in the fourth quarter of 2017.

09:05 EDT United Rentals completes acquisition of Neff for $1.3B - United Rentals (URI) announced that it has completed its previously announced acquisition of Neff Corporation (NEFF) for a total purchase price of approximately $1.3B. The purchase was funded primarily through newly issued unsecured debt. The company plans to update its 2017 financial outlook to reflect the combined operations when it releases financial results for the third quarter.

09:05 EDT ORBCOMM acquires Blue Tree Systems Limited; terms not disclosed - ORBCOMM has acquired Blue Tree Systems Limited based in Galway, Ireland, along with its subsidiaries in the United States, Germany and France. Blue Tree provides transportation management solutions across multiple classes of assets that include trucks, refrigerated straight trucks as well as refrigerated and dry trailers. Blue Tree serves more than 300 customers in North America, the European Union, United Kingdom, Australia, and New Zealand. ORBCOMM was advised by Raymond James on this transaction. Blue Tree Systems was advised by Investec Corporate Finance Ireland.

09:03 EDT Carlisle to acquire Accella Performance Materials for $670M in cash - Carlisle Companies announced that it has entered into a definitive purchase agreement to acquire Accella Performance Materials, a specialty polyurethane platform, from Arsenal Capital Partners for $670M in cash. Accella Performance Materials offers a wide range of polyurethane products and solutions across a broad diversity of markets and applications. Accella, headquartered in Maryland Heights, Missouri, has annualized revenue of approximately $430M with pre-synergy estimated transaction EBITDA margins approaching 15%. First year EPS accretion is expected to be 9c. Transaction EBITDA margins and EPS accretion are defined under "Non-GAAP Measures," and reconciled to the most directly comparable GAAP financial measures in the related exhibit. Upon completion of the transaction, the business will be reported as part of the CCM segment.

09:02 EDT Court sets trial date of January 22, 2018 for MiMedx patent infringement suit - MiMedx Group announced that the United States District Court for the Northern District of Georgia has set a trial date of January 22, 2018 for the company's patent infringement lawsuit against Musculoskeletal Transplant Foundation, Medline Industries, and Liventa Bioscience. In the company's press release of September 18, MiMedx communicated that the efforts of MTF, Liventa and Medline to avoid a trial through summary judgment and other legal maneuvers had failed, and that the matter was finally at a stage where the court could set a trial date. In that press release, the company committed that once the Court advised MiMedx of the specific trial date, the company would issue a subsequent press release announcing the trial date.

08:59 EDT First Potomac trading halted, news dissemination

08:56 EDT Embraer confirms order for 20 E-Jets from SkyWest - Embraer (ERJ) announced a firm order from SkyWest (SKYW) for 20 E-Jets. The order has a value of $914M, based on current list prices, and will be included in Embraer's 2017 third-quarter backlog. Combined with last month's announcement for 25 new aircraft, today's order results in a cumulative order of 45 new aircraft placed by SkyWest with Embraer in 2017. Of the 20 aircraft, SkyWest will receive 15 E175 SC aircraft, in a 70-seat configuration. The E175 SC aircraft features an E175 airframe, which can be retrofitted to 76 seats in the future. SkyWest will also receive five E175s, in a 76-seat configuration, similar to aircraft SkyWest has previously ordered. Including this new contract, Embraer has sold more than 380 E175 jets to airlines in North America since January 2013, earning more than 80% of all orders in the 76-seat jet segment.

08:50 EDT Pembina Pipeline raises dividend to C$0.18 per share - Pembina's Board of Directors has declared a common share cash dividend for October 2017 of C$0.18 per share to be paid, subject to applicable law, on November 15, 2017 to shareholders of record on October 25, 2017. This dividend reflects a 5.9% increase to the current monthly common share dividend rate of C$0.17 per share.

08:46 EDT Delanco Bancorp announces termination of agreement between Delanco, OCC - Delanco Bancorp announced that, on September 27, 2017, the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency terminated the formal written agreement dated November 21, 2012 between the OCC and the Bank, effective immediately. In addition, the OCC terminated the higher individual minimum capital ratios that the OCC had required for the Bank. At June 30, 2017, the Bank exceeded the minimum regulatory requirements to be considered "well capitalized." As a result of the OCC's action, the Bank is no longer considered to be in "troubled condition."

08:41 EDT Trinity Industries says wins at Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals - Trinity Industries announced that on September 29, 2017, the United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit has ruled that Trinity Industries, Inc. and Trinity Highway Products, LLC did not commit fraud, reversing the District Court's $682.4M False Claims Act judgment and rendering judgment for the company. The company is pleased with the panel's unanimous opinion reversing the judgment. As the Fifth Circuit noted, the federal government has consistently reaffirmed the ET Plus System meets all federal safety performance standards. This ruling confirms our long-standing belief that no fraud was committed.

08:40 EDT MGM drops 5% after shooter opens fire from Mandalay Bay - Shares of MGM Resorts (MGM) after moving lower after a shooter, located in the company's Mandalay Bay resort, killed at least 50 people and injured at least 200 more. This report corrects the number of those killed. The gunman, who fired shots from the 32nd floor of Mandalay Bay into an outdoor country music festival, was identified by law enforcement officials as Stephen Paddock, 64, of Mesquite, Nevada. MGM said via Twitter, "Our thoughts & prayers are with the victims of last night's tragic events. We're grateful for the immediate actions of our first responders." The stock in premarket trading is down 5%, or $1.66, to $30.93. Reference Link

08:38 EDT Regenxbio responds to notification of 'superior proposal' from Dimension - Regenxbio (RGNX) announced that Dimension Therapeutics (DMTX) notified Regenxbio that it has determined that it has received a "superior proposal" as defined in the merger agreement under which Regenxbio would have acquired Dimension in an all-stock transaction for an implied value of approximately $3.41 per share based on the closing stock price of Regenxbio stock on August 24. Late yesterday, Dimension notified Regenxbio that its board determined that the recently amended proposal from Ultragenyx Pharmaceutical (RARE) to acquire Dimension for $6.00 per share in cash constituted a "superior proposal" and that Dimension's board intends to change its prior recommendation to Dimension's stockholders to vote in favor of the proposed merger between Regenxbio and Dimension. This notice invoked Regenxbio's matching right under the merger agreement. In response, Regenxbio notified Dimension that it will not increase the consideration payable to Dimension stockholders under the merger agreement and that Regenxbio has waived its matching rights. As a result of Regenxbio's response, Dimension has indicated it will terminate the merger agreement and pay Regenxbio the $2.85M termination fee concurrently with the termination. "While the strategic rationale for a combination with Dimension is compelling, we believe our offer represented fair value and prudently enabled both companies' shareholders to participate in the upside of the combined company," said Kenneth Mills, president and CEO of Regenxbio. "We take a disciplined approach to business development and will continue prioritizing the advancement of our proprietary NAV Technology Platform and our exciting, potentially life-changing gene therapy lead product candidates for retinal, metabolic and neurodegenerative diseases." Mills continued, "At Regenxbio, our strategy has always been to accelerate the development of a broad and robust pipeline of NAV-based gene therapies in an effort to most rapidly meet the needs of patients suffering from a wide range of rare genetic diseases. We have done so through our internal lead product candidates and through partnerships with our many NAV Technology licensees, including Dimension." Upon the completion of Ultragenyx's acquisition of Dimension, Ultragenyx is expected to become a NAV Technology Licensee in the seven inherited metabolic disease fields, including OTC deficiency, GSDa1a and hemophilia A, currently licensed to Dimension by Regenxbio. Dimension has one remaining limited option to an exclusive commercial license for a disease indication that is available for licensing, which would exclude, among other things, products under development by Regenxbio or its NAV Technology Licensees. Mills added, "We wish Ultragenyx and Dimension well, and we hope that Ultragenyx will use its considerable experience and resources to advance all of the programs licensed from Regenxbio for the benefit of patients in need. We look forward to working with Ultragenyx to rapidly progress all of Dimension's programs as provided for under the terms of our license agreements."

08:36 EDT CGI Group awarded $68.2M contract from USAID - CGI announced that it has been awarded a five-year $68.2M contract by the U.S. Agency for International Development Bureau of Management, Office of the Chief Information Officer to support its enterprise data center and disaster recovery efforts. USAID will leverage CGI Unify360 enterprise software to help combat the soaring costs associated with maintaining data centers while transitioning the agency to a hybrid cloud environment. CGI Unify360's cloud provisioning tools will enable USAID to pay only for servers that it actually uses on a monthly basis. Further, USAID will have the ability to view the domain and analyze the impact of changes through continual evolution to the latest strategies and technologies.

08:34 EDT MCBC Holdings acquires NauticStar - MasterCraft announced that it has acquired NauticStar for approximately $79.8M. The transaction is expected to be accretive to MasterCraft's earnings per share in fiscal 2018.

08:32 EDT MGM drops 5% after shooter opens fire from Mandalay Bay - Shares of MGM Resorts (MGM) after moving lower after a shooter, located in the company's Mandalay Bay resort, killed at least 200 people. The gunman, who fired shots from the 32nd floor of Mandalay Bay into an outdoor country music festival, was identified by law enforcement officials as Stephen Paddock, 64, of Mesquite, Nevada. MGM said via Twitter, "Our thoughts & prayers are with the victims of last night's tragic events. We're grateful for the immediate actions of our first responders." The stock in premarket trading is down 5%, or $1.66, to $30.93. Reference Link

08:31 EDT OSI Systems awarded $9M order for ZBV mobile cargo, vehicle screening systems - OSI Systems announced that its Security division received an order valued at approximately $9M to provide ZBV mobile cargo and vehicle screening systems and associated service and maintenance.

08:27 EDT Calix appoints Cory Sindelar as CFO - Calix announced that Cory Sindelar has been named CFO effective immediately. Calix engaged Cory as interim CFO in May and he has made significant progress in bringing increased operational rigor to Calix. Sindelar brings extensive experience leading finance teams at high-growth software and technology companies.

08:23 EDT Coty commences long-term strategic partnership with Burberry - Coty Inc announced that it has completed the acquisition of the exclusive long-term global license rights for Burberry Beauty luxury fragrances, cosmetics and skincare. Coty will have overall responsibility for strategic direction on the portfolio's development, leveraging its global capabilities in beauty strategy, innovation, supply-chain and go-to-market, working in partnership with Burberry who will lead on creative elements. Burberry beauty products will be sold in leading luxury beauty retailers globally as well as in Burberry stores and digital channels.

08:20 EDT Flir Systems awarded $74.7M contract from U.S. Army - FLIR Systems has been awarded a $74.7M firm-fixed-price order to deliver TacFLIR surveillance cameras in support of the U.S. Army EO/IR-Force Protection, or FP, program. The U.S. Army will purchase the systems through Army Contracting Command, Redstone. The units delivered under this contract will support the ongoing U.S. Army EO/IR-FP program, which provides enhanced perimeter security and force protection for U.S. troops stationed around the world, such as Iraq and Afghanistan. As part of the same program, FLIR was also awarded an $8.8M contract in Q3 of 2017 to deliver other FLIR Ranger radars.

08:19 EDT Command Security awarded $11M contract from Department of State - Command Security announced the award of a new five-year contract to provide armed security services for the Department of State at the U.S. Mission Tegucigalpa, Honduras. Total revenues associated with this award are estimated to be approximately $2.25M annually or approximately $11M over the one-year base period and the four one-year option years that follow. Work under the contract will commence on or about January 1, 2018.

08:16 EDT Tuesday Morning announces cooperation agreement with investor group - Tuesday Morning announced that it has entered into a cooperation agreement with Jeereddi Partners, LLC, Purple Mountain Capital Partners, LLC and their affiliates, under which the Tuesday Morning Board of Directors has agreed to nominate James T. Corcoran, CEO of Purple Mountain Capital Partners, LLC, as an independent director candidate on Tuesday Morning's slate of director nominees for election at the 2017 Annual Meeting of Stockholders. As part of the agreement, the Investor Group has agreed to abide by certain customary standstill and voting provisions, including voting in favor of the Company's slate of director nominees at the 2017 and 2018 Annual Meetings of Stockholders and in favor of certain other matters.

08:14 EDT Southwestern Energy amends transportation agreement with Boardwalk Pipeline - Southwestern Energy (SWN) announced that it has signed an amended transportation agreement with Boardwalk Pipeline Partners' (BWP) Texas Gas Transmission subsidiary for a portion of its Fayetteville firm takeaway capacity, subject to approval from the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission. This new agreement is effective November 1, 2017 and is expected to provide savings of approximately $70M from 2017 through 2020, including approximately $45M in savings in 2018 through the reduction of current excess capacity, while guaranteeing future flexible takeaway capacity through 2030 at competitive rates. Key components of this amended agreement include: Provides right-sized, fixed rate, guaranteed long-term takeaway capacity and future option capacity to highly sought after gulf coast markets; Fayetteville Lateral volume commitment reduced from 800,000 MMBTU per day to 100,000 MMBTU per day in November 2017 through October 2020 at existing rates; Restructured firm transportation agreements and demand fees beginning in 2021 at approximately $0.10 per MMBTU; and Firm transportation agreements for up to 800,000 MMBTU per day starting in 2021 and decreasing each year.

08:12 EDT Chubb estimates net insurance, reinsurance losses from hurricanes, earthquakes - Chubb announced estimated maximum net insurance and net reinsurance losses for the third quarter of 2017 attributable to Hurricane Maria, which primarily impacted the Caribbean region including Puerto Rico, of $220 million pre-tax, or approximately $200 million after tax. The estimated maximum net loss for Hurricane Maria for the company's commercial and personal property and casualty insurance businesses is $152 million pre-tax, or $135 million after tax, and for the company's reinsurance businesses is $53 million pre-tax and after tax. These figures are net of reinsurance. Estimated reinstatement premiums are an additional $15 million pre-tax. The company also reported its net loss estimates attributable to the two Mexican earthquakes, which struck the state of Chiapas on September 7 and the state of Puebla and the greater Mexico City area on September 19. Insured losses for the earthquakes are currently estimated at $25 million pre-tax, or $24 million after tax. These estimates are net of reinsurance and include reinstatement premiums. Lastly, the company reported that all other natural catastrophe net insured losses in the third quarter, other than those previously announced for Hurricanes Harvey and Irma, are estimated at approximately $107 million pre-tax, or $86 million after tax.

08:10 EDT Centene announces early termination of HSR in connection with Fidelis Care - Centene announced that 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 Centene's proposed acquisition of substantially all of the assets of Fidelis Care for $3.75B. The transaction is expected to close in the first quarter of 2018, subject to various closing conditions and receipt of New York regulatory approvals, including approvals under the New York Not-for-Profit Corporation Law.

08:07 EDT Genworth, Oceanwide provide update on CFIUS application - Genworth Financial and China Oceanwide Holdings Group reported that they have withdrawn their joint voluntary notice with the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States, with an intent to refile the transaction with additional mitigation approaches, including potentially working with a U.S. third- party service provider. Both parties are fully committed to continuing to work on robust mitigation proposals. CFIUS' acceptance of the refiled joint voluntary notice would commence a new 30-day review period, which may be followed by an additional 45-day investigation period. Additional information about the CFIUS review process can be found in the definitive proxy statement filed by Genworth with the SEC on Jan. 25, 2017. Genworth and Oceanwide intend to actively engage in discussions with CFIUS with respect to mitigation options; however, there can be no assurances that CFIUS will ultimately agree to clear a transaction between Genworth and Oceanwide on terms acceptable to the parties or at all. "We continue to work diligently to secure all required regulatory approvals necessary to complete the transaction," said Tom McInerney, president and CEO of Genworth.

08:05 EDT NantKwest announces first in human administration of CD16 haNK cells - NantKwest announced the clinical implementation of the company's haNK cell therapy program to human clinical trials with the first participants treated in the first-in-human, Phase I haNK cell therapy clinical trial targeting a wide range of cancer types. The primary objective of the Phase I clinical study is to determine the safety of haNK cell therapy administered once per week in up to 16 patients with metastatic or locally advanced solid tumors. Secondary objectives include the determination of objective response rate, progression-free survival, overall survival, and any correlations between tumor molecular profiles and patient outcomes.

08:05 EDT BIOLASE names John Beaver as SVP, CFO, effective October 1 - BIOLASE announced that veteran financial executive John R. Beaver has been named SVP and CFO, effective October 1, 2017. He reports directly to President and CEO Harold C. Flynn, Jr. Prior to joining BIOLASE, Beaver served as the CFO of San Jose, CA-based Silicor Materials.

08:03 EDT MER Telemanagement names Roy Hess as CEO - Mer Telemanagement announced that it has appointed Roy Hess as the company's CEO. Most recently, Hess was the General Manager of Bioness Neuromodulation Ltd., a provider of medical devices.

08:03 EDT Kala Pharmaceuticals names Aralez president and CBO Andrew Koven to board - Kala Pharmaceuticals (KALA) announced the appointment of Andrew I. Koven to the company's Board of Directors. Koven will serve as a Class I director and serve on the Compensation and the Nominating and Corporate Governance committees of the Board of Directors. Koven has served as President and Chief Business Officer at Aralez Pharmaceuticals (ARLZ) since 2016.

08:00 EDT TiVo renews multiyear intellectual property license deal with Sony - TiVo Corporation (TIVO) announced that Sony (SNE) has renewed its multi-year intellectual property license agreement. The license to TiVo's patent portfolios covers all of Sony's worldwide products and services.

07:47 EDT Level 3 recommends shareholders reject 'mini-tender' offer by TRC Capital - Level 3 Communications has been notified of an unsolicited "mini-tender" offer by TRC Capital to purchase up to 2M shares of Level 3 common stock, representing approximately 0.55% of Level 3's shares of common stock outstanding. TRC Capital's offer price of $50.50 per share is approximately 4.3% below the $52.77 closing price per share of Level 3's common stock on September 22, 2017, the last trading day before the commencement of TRC Capital's offer. Level 3 does not endorse TRC Capital's unsolicited mini-tender offer and is not associated in any way with TRC Capital, its mini-tender offer, or its mini-tender offer documents. Because TRC Capital's offer price is at a price below the current market price for Level 3's common stock and the value of the consideration under the Merger Agreement and is subject to numerous conditions, Level 3 recommends that stockholders reject this unsolicited offer or, if stockholders have already tendered shares, that they withdraw their shares by providing the written notice described in the TRC Capital mini-tender offer documents prior to the expiration of the offer, currently scheduled for 12:01 a.m., New York City time, on Wednesday, October 25, 2017.

07:43 EDT Coca-Cola Bottling acquires distribution territories, manufacturing facilities - Coca-Cola Bottling Co. (COKE) announced that it entered into and completed transactions with Coca-Cola (KO) to exchange distribution territory previously served by the company in parts of southern Alabama, southwestern Georgia, southeastern Mississippi, northwestern Florida and in and around Somerset, Kentucky and a manufacturing facility in Mobile, Alabama previously owned by the Company for distribution territory previously served by Coca-Cola Refreshments USA, Inc., or CCR, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Coca-Cola, in parts of Arkansas and two manufacturing facilities previously owned by CCR in Memphis, Tennessee and West Memphis, Arkansas, and to acquire additional distribution territory previously served by CCR in and around Memphis, Tennessee, including in portions of northwestern Mississippi and eastern Arkansas. As part of the transactions, the Company acquired exclusive distribution rights in territory that includes the following major markets: Little Rock, West Memphis and southern Arkansas; and Memphis, Tennessee. The Company relinquished distribution rights in territory that includes Mobile, Leroy and Robertsdale, Alabama; Columbus, Sylvester and Bainbridge, Georgia; Ocean Springs, Mississippi; Panama City, Florida; and Somerset, Kentucky. The definitive agreements with CCR include the exchange and acquisition of distribution territory and manufacturing facilities described in the previously-announced letters of intent dated June 14, 2016 and April 11, 2017 between the Company and The Coca-Cola Company. The Company also announced today that it entered into and completed a transaction with Coca-Cola Bottling Company United, to exchange distribution territory previously served by the company in Florence, Alabama, south-central Tennessee and Laurel, Mississippi for distribution territory previously served by United in Spartanburg and portions of Bluffton, South Carolina. Piedmont Coca-Cola Bottling Partnership, a majority owned subsidiary of the Company, also entered into and completed a transaction with United to exchange distribution territory previously served by Piedmont in northeastern Georgia for the remainder of the distribution territory in Bluffton, South Carolina previously served by United. The definitive agreement with United includes the exchange of distribution territory described in the previously-announced letter of intent dated June 14, 2016 between the company and United.

07:38 EDT SELLAS enters trial collaboration, supply agreement with Merck - SELLAS Life Sciences Group announced entry into a Clinical Trial Collaboration and Supply Agreement for the conduct of a combination clinical trial targeting multiple cancer types with Merck & Co., Kenilworth, N.J. SELLAS' Wilms tumor-1-targeting peptide immunotherapeutic agent, galinpepimut-S, will be administered in combination with MSD's anti-PD-1 therapy KEYTRUDA in a Phase 1/2 trial enrolling patients in five cancer indications, including both hematologic malignancies and solid tumors. The purpose of the trials is to determine if the administration of galinpepimut-S in combination with KEYTRUDA has the potential to demonstrate clinical activity in the presence of macroscopic disease, where monotherapy with either agent would have a more limited effect. The rationale for the study is based upon the presumed immunobiologic and pharmacodynamic synergy between the two agents, whereby the negative influence of tumor microenvironment factors on the immune response is mitigated by PD-1 inhibition thus allowing the patients' own immune cells to invade and destroy cancerous growth deposits specifically sensitized against WT1

07:35 EDT Seres Therapeutics trading resumes

07:32 EDT Imprimis secures first patent for Dropless Therapy formulations - Imprimis Pharmaceuticals announced it has secured its first patent covering the company's innovative Dropless Therapy formulations from the Australian Patent office, a division of IP Australia. Patent 2014293665, "Pharmaceutical compositions for intraocular administration comprising an antibacterial agent and an anti-inflammatory agent" will expire March 27, 2034, not including any potential extensions.

07:31 EDT Rigel Pharmaceuticals provides update on FDA review of Fostamatinib for ITP - Rigel Pharmaceuticals announced that during the company's mid-cycle meeting with the U.S. FDA, the FDA indicated that, at this point, it is not planning to hold an Oncology Drugs Advisory Committee meeting to discuss the New Drug Application for fostamatinib in patients with chronic or persistent immune thrombocytopenia. Additionally, the FDA indicated that it anticipates meeting the Prescription Drug User Fee Act action date for the application review, which is April 17, 2018. In an earlier communication, the FDA had conditionally approved the proprietary name Tavalisse. "Since we submitted our NDA this spring, we have worked collaboratively with the FDA to answer routine questions as they arise," said Anne-Marie Duliege, MD, executive vice president and chief medical officer of Rigel. "Our positive interactions with the FDA, including their customary biomedical monitoring inspections at our facilities and clinical sites, are in-line with our expectations and have progressed well. We will continue to work closely with the agency and remain committed to bringing fostamatinib to patients with ITP who are in need of new treatment options."

07:30 EDT Engility awarded $14M in task orders from NOAA's Geophysical Fluid Dynamics Lab - Engility Holdings secured $14M in task order awards from NOAA's Geophysical Fluid Dynamics Laboratory. Engility scientists will conduct HPC software development and optimization, help users gain scientific insights, and maintain cyber security controls on NOAA's R&D High Performance Computing System. These services assist NOAA GFDL in enhancing and advancing their HPC capability to explore and understand climate and weather. Under the two task orders, the Engility team will also provide data analytics, web development, visualization and network support across the entire GFDL organization. The time and materials awards were both made in the third quarter of 2017 and each have a base year with one option year.

07:18 EDT RedHill Biopharma accelerates RHB-104 Phase III study - RedHill Biopharma announced that the company has accelerated the timelines for the ongoing first Phase III study with RHB-104 for Crohn's disease by curtailing the number of subjects planned to be enrolled in the study from 410 to approximately 325 subjects. Given that 322 subjects have been enrolled in the MAP US Phase III study to date, the Company expects to complete enrollment by November 2017 and to announce top-line results in mid-2018. RedHill remains blinded to the ongoing data from the study. The protocol amendment implementing the curtailment strategy has been filed with the FDA and healthcare regulators in other relevant countries. The MAP US study is a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled first Phase III study evaluating the safety and efficacy of RHB-104 in subjects with moderately to severely active Crohn's disease. The primary endpoint of the MAP US study is disease remission, defined as a reduction in CDAI to less than 150 at week 26. The MAP US study is being conducted in up to 150 clinical sites in the U.S, Canada, Europe, Israel, Australia and New Zealand.

07:14 EDT Arbutus Biopharma receives $116M strategic investment from Roivant Sciences - Arbutus Biopharma announced that it has signed a share purchase agreement with Roivant Sciences for the sale of convertible preferred shares for gross proceeds of $116.4M. Arbutus intends to use the proceeds to further develop and advance its clinical and preclinical HBV pipeline programs.

07:11 EDT Broadridge acquires Summit Financial Disclosure, terms not disclosed - Broadridge Financial Solutions has acquired Summit Financial Disclosure, a full-service financial document management solutions provider. Summit's document composition and regulatory filing services will be integrated with Broadridge's proxy voting and shareholder communications services to create an end-to-end solution that spans the entire corporate disclosure lifecycle from private funding, through capital markets transactions and ongoing communications to regulators and shareholders. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

07:11 EDT Opiant Pharmaceuticals enters collaboration with Titan Pharmaceuticals - Opiant Pharmaceuticals (OPNT) and Titan Pharmaceuticals (TTNP) announced a collaboration to explore development of a novel approach to the prevention of opioid relapse and overdose in individuals with opioid use disorder. The companies will conduct a feasibility assessment of a subcutaneous implant using Titan's proprietary ProNeura sustained release technology to administer an opioid antagonist. A product that delivers non-fluctuating, therapeutic levels of an opioid antagonist, continuously for up to 6 months, may be ideally suited for the prevention of opioid relapse and overdose.

07:09 EDT STAAR Surgical appoints Scott D. Barnes, M.D. as Chief Medical Officer - STAAR Surgical announced the appointment of Scott D. Barnes M.D. as Chief Medical Officer, a newly created position. Dr. Barnes will report to Caren Mason, STAAR's President and CEO, will serve on the company's Executive Management team, and will provide strategic guidance for STAAR's medical affairs, professional affairs and product development pathways. In addition, he will lead the company's Surgeon Training and Certification programs as well as the company's Surgeon Working Groups.

07:08 EDT Titan Pharmaceuticals, Opiant Pharmaceuticals announce collaboration - Titan Pharmaceuticals (TTNP) and Opiant Pharmaceuticals (OPNT) announced a collaboration to explore development of a novel approach to the prevention of opioid relapse and overdose in individuals with opioid use disorder. The companies will conduct a feasibility assessment of a subcutaneous implant using Titan's proprietary ProNeura sustained release technology to administer an opioid antagonist. A product that delivers non-fluctuating, therapeutic levels of an opioid antagonist, continuously for up to 6 months, may be ideally suited for the prevention of opioid relapse and overdose.

07:06 EDT Seres: SER-287 resulted in dose-dependent benefit in Phase 1b study - Seres Therapeutics announced topline results from a SER-287 Phase 1b placebo-controlled induction study in 58 patients with mild-to-moderate Ulcerative Colitis, who were failing current therapies. Study data demonstrate that SER-287, a microbiome therapy containing a consortium of live bacterial spores, resulted in a benefit in clinical remission rates, and also an improvement in mucosal appearance by endoscopy. The SER-287 safety and tolerability profile, a co-primary study endpoint, demonstrated no clinically significant safety findings. Microbiome study results, a co-primary endpoint, are expected in the coming months. The SER-287 Phase 1b study, a randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled, multiple-dose, induction study enrolled patients with mild-to-moderate Ulcerative Colitis, with Mayo scores of 4 to 10. The study enrolled 58 patients at 20 sites across the United States. Twenty-four patients were classified as having mild disease, and 33 patients had moderate disease. Study subjects exhibited pre-study disease activity despite use of current therapies in a majority of subjects, which included 5-amino-salacylic acid, low dose corticosteroids, or immunomodulatory therapy. Study efficacy related analysis is based on intent to treat 'observed case' data in 53 patients. Eight-week results demonstrate that SER-287 administration resulted in a dose dependent improvement of clinical remission rates and an improvement in endoscopic scores. Data suggest that the most significant treatment effect occurred in patients treated with the daily dose of SER-287. Vancomycin addition to the regimen did not clearly alter efficacy effects.

07:05 EDT Moody's names Salli Schwartz VP, treasurer - Moody's Corporation announced that Salli Schwartz has been named Vice President, Treasurer for the Corporation. Schwartz will oversee Moody's capital allocation and long-term financing strategies and manage cash and short-term investments to support Moody's operations and growth. Schwartz joined Moody's in 2007 as part of the Corporate Development team and has served since 2011 as Global Head of Investor Relations. She has also managed Moody's Global Communications team since 2015.

07:04 EDT AMC Entertainment sells 2.8M shares of National CineMedia common stock - AMC Entertainment (AMC) said it has completed the sale of 2.8 million shares of National CineMedia (NCMI) common stock to an undisclosed American buyer for approximately $18.2M, effective September 29, 2017, representing a price of $6.49 per share. This transaction represents the remaining NCM shares required to be sold in 2017 by AMC under the consent decree with the U.S. Department of Justice in connection with AMC's acquisition of Carmike Cinemas, Inc. in December 2016. This transaction is consistent with AMC's previously announced plan to identify approximately $400 million of non-strategic assets that could be monetized over the next 24 months. This NCM share sale represents the fourth significant AMC asset monetization announcement since it announced this plan on August 4, 2017. Commenting on the NCM stock sale, AMC CEO and President Adam Aron said: "We are pleased to have completed this block sale, which fulfills our obligation to the U.S. Department of Justice to reduce to no more than 15% our ownership stake in National CineMedia by December 20, 2017. Similar to last week's transaction, this sale will allow us to further enhance our liquidity position, strengthen our balance sheet through deleveraging and execute on our strategic capital allocation plans of buying back AMC shares all the while investing in our future growth through the renovation of our theatres." Citigroup Global Markets Inc. served as exclusive financial advisor to AMC on the transaction.

07:02 EDT American States Water unit awarded 50-year contract by U.S. government - American States Water Company announced that its contracted services subsidiary, American States Utility Services, has been awarded a 50-year contract by the U.S. government to operate, maintain, and provide construction management services for the water distribution, wastewater collection, and treatment facilities at Fort Riley, a United States Army installation located in Kansas. The value of the contract is estimated at approximately $601M over a 50-year period and is subject to annual economic price adjustment. Under the contract, there is a 9-month transition period to ensure seamless operations are established and inventory assets are fully accounted for in the contract.

07:02 EDT Foundation Medicine receives NY approval for FoundationACT assay - Foundation Medicine announced that it received approval from the New York State Clinical Laboratory Evaluation Program for its FoundationACT blood-based circulating tumor DNA assay. The CLEP regulates and seeks to ensure the accuracy and reliability of test results in clinical laboratories located in or accepting specimens from NYS. With the approval of FoundationACT, the company's suite of comprehensive genomic profiling products is available to oncologists and patients in all 50 states.

07:01 EDT International Paper to reduce pension liabilities by $1.3B - International Paper (IP) announced it has entered into an agreement with Prudential Insurance Company of America (PRU) to purchase a group annuity contract and transfer approximately $1.3B of International Paper's U.S. qualified pension plan projected benefit obligations. The transaction will be funded with pension plan assets, and at the end of 2017, Prudential will assume responsibility for pension benefits and annuity administration for approximately 45,000 former employees or their beneficiaries receiving less than $450 in monthly benefit payments from the plan. The transaction is expected to close on October 3, 2017, subject to customary closing conditions. There will be no change to the pension benefits for any plan participants as a result of the transaction. Retirees and beneficiaries who will be covered by this transaction will be receiving individualized information packages with further details and answers to frequently asked questions. As a result of the transaction, the company expects to recognize a non-cash pension settlement charge of approximately $400M before tax, or $247M after tax, in Q4 of 2017.

07:01 EDT Procter & Gamble says has right team, right board, right strategy in place - The Procter & Gamble Company issued a letter to shareholders detailing the comprehensive ongoing transformation that is working to yield positive results for shareholders. The company outlines broad based actions in productivity and cost savings, brand and product portfolio restructuring, accelerating innovation and organization changes. These changes are delivering meaningful new businesses, e-commerce growth, leadership market shares, and leadership levels of total shareholder return. The letter highlights that the Board and management recognized the need to transform and reposition P&G to meet the significant changes in the consumer, retail and marketing environment. As a result of this transformation: P&G is a profoundly different, much stronger, more profitable company than it was just a few years ago. P&G is on the road to meeting current and future consumer needs with products that exceed their expectations, and to delivering the business and financial results shareholders expect from P&G. P&G has the right team, the right Board, and the right strategy and plan in place to take the company to new heights. P&G states that it does not believe adding Nelson Peltz to the Board is the right choice for the company. While Mr. Peltz is an accomplished investor, he does not fit the criteria established by the P&G Board through its rigorous governance process, nor does he have the skills the Board needs to continue to guide P&G for the future. P&G is on the right track and needs to stay focused to avoid derailing the progress underway.

06:58 EDT Preferred Apartment acquires 172-unit multifamily community in Atlanta, Georgia - Preferred Apartment announced the acquisition on September 29, 2017 of a 172-unit Class A multifamily community in the Atlanta, Georgia MSA constructed in 2016 called Reserve at Summit Crossing. PAC acquired this community through a wholly-owned subsidiary and financed the acquisition utilizing a non-recourse first mortgage loan from Mid First Bank. The first mortgage loan is approximately $20.1M, bears interest at a fixed rate of 3.871% per annum, matures in October 2025 and amortizes based on a 30-year schedule. There are no loan guaranties provided by PAC or our operating partnership.

06:53 EDT Macau reports September casino revenue up 16.1% to 21.36B patacas - Macau's gaming bureau reported September gross revenue from games of fortune in the region rose 16.1% year over year to 21.36B patacas. Publicly traded companies in the Macau gaming space include Las Vegas Sands (LVS), MGM Resorts (MGM), Wynn Resorts (WYNN) and Melco Resorts (MLCO).

06:51 EDT Mednax acquires Palm Beach Pediatric Urology, terms not disclosed - Mednax announced the acquisition of Palm Beach Pediatric Urology, PA, a private pediatric urology physician practice based in Palm Beach, Fla. This was a cash transaction and it is expected to be immediately accretive to earnings. No additional terms of the transaction were disclosed.

06:49 EDT SAIC consolidates several organizations, offers voluntary retirement packages - As part of a broad, companywide restructuring designed to support Science Applications International Corp.'s long-term strategy, the company announced that it has consolidated several organizations and offered a voluntary retirement incentive package to approximately 100 senior managers. Keeping its successful matrix operating model intact, SAIC has consolidated its five customer-facing customer groups into three and its six capabilities-focused service lines into three market segments. Earlier this year, SAIC promoted Nazzic Keene to the new position of chief operating officer to oversee day-to-day operations and lead business execution; moved headquarters from McLean, Virginia, to Reston, Virginia, as part of an effort to consolidate SAIC's office leases; and launched its first Technology Integration Gateway in Tennessee as part of an effort to provide its customers critical IT services in a more agile, repeatable, and cost-effective manner. All of these actions collectively support the company's strategy, called Ingenuity 2025, while also addressing near-term challenges SAIC faced in the first half of its fiscal year.

06:47 EDT NOW Inc. announces Exclusive Global Master Distribution Agreement with Puradyn - NOW Inc.'s U.S. subsidiary DNOW L.P. is proud to announce its Exclusive Global Master Distribution Agreement with Puradyn Filter Technologies for the Oil and Gas Industry. DistributionNOW will distribute and service Puradyn bypass oil filtration products in the oil and gas, industrial and manufacturing services industries.

06:46 EDT Seattle Genetics receives FDA Breakthrough Therapy Designation for ADCETRIS - Seattle Genetics announced that the U.S. FDA has granted Breakthrough Therapy Designation to ADCETRIS in combination with chemotherapy for the frontline treatment of patients with advanced classical Hodgkin lymphoma. The positive topline results of the phase 3 ECHELON-1 clinical trial were announced in June 2017 and full data will be presented at the upcoming American Society of Hematology annual meeting, December 9-12, 2017 in Atlanta, Georgia. ADCETRIS is an antibody-drug conjugate directed to CD30, a defining marker of classical Hodgkin lymphoma. ADCETRIS is being evaluated globally as the foundation of care for CD30-expressing lymphomas in more than 70 corporate- and investigator-sponsored clinical trials. ADCETRIS is currently not approved as a frontline therapy for Hodgkin lymphoma.

06:37 EDT Cal-Maine Foods CEO says 'ongoing challenges, price volatility' in egg markets - Dolph Baker, chairman, president and CEO of Cal-Maine Foods stated, "We are pleased to report higher sales for the first quarter of fiscal 2018 compared with the same period last year, in spite of the ongoing challenges and price volatility in the egg markets. The first quarter of our fiscal year is typically a seasonally slow period for our business. While we are disappointed to report a loss for the quarter, we are encouraged by the year-over-year improvement in our performance. Our results reflect continued solid retail demand and a modest increase in both volumes and prices compared with the first quarter of fiscal 2017. Market prices for conventional shell eggs moved higher over the summer, and our average customer selling prices for all eggs were up 6.8 percent in the first quarter compared with a year ago. Market prices have significantly improved since the end of the quarter and are currently trending well above levels from a year ago.

06:32 EDT Astec announces acquisition of RexCon for $26M - Astec announced the acquisition of substantially all of the assets and liabilities of RexCon, one of the leading full-line concrete batch plant manufacturers in the U.S. The aggregate purchase price for the assets is $26M, which was funded through cash on hand.

06:21 EDT Medical Transcription Billing makes final $5M MediGain acquisition payment - MTBC (MTBC) announced that it has made its final payment of $5M, plus interest, related to the MediGain transaction. "On September 28, 2017, MTBC paid Prudential $5,270,000, comprised of principal and accrued interest due related to the MediGain transaction," explained MTBC in the 8-K filed with the SEC on October 2, 2017. It continued, "MTBC's September 28th payment constituted payment in full of MTBC's obligation to Prudential (PRU)."

06:10 EDT Google confirms plans to end 'first click free' policy - Google says in a blog post, "The First Click Free policy for both Google web search and News was designed to address this issue. It offers promotion and discovery opportunities for publishers with subscription content, while giving Google users an opportunity to discover that content. Over the past year, we have worked with publishers to investigate the effects of FCF on user satisfaction and on the sustainability of the publishing ecosystem. We found that while FCF is a reasonable sampling model, publishers are in a better position to determine what specific sampling strategy works best for them. Therefore, we are removing FCF as a requirement for Search, and we encourage publishers to experiment with different free sampling schemes, as long as they stay within the updated webmaster guidelines. We call this Flexible Sampling... Based on our investigations, we have created detailed best practices for implementing flexible sampling. There are two types of sampling we advise: metering, which provides users with a quota of free articles to consume, after which paywalls will start appearing; and lead-in, which offers a portion of an article's content without it being shown in full. For metering, we think that monthly (rather than daily) metering provides more flexibility and a safer environment for testing. The user impact of changing from one integer value to the next is less significant at, say, 10 monthly samples than at 3 daily samples. All publishers and their audiences are different, so there is no single value for optimal free sampling across publishers. However, we recommend that publishers start by providing 10 free clicks per month to Google search users in order to preserve a good user experience for new potential subscribers. Lead-in is generally implemented as truncated content, such as the first few sentences or 50-100 words of the article. Lead-in allows users a taste of how valuable the content may be. Compared to a page with completely blocked content, lead-in clearly provides more utility and added value to users. We are excited by this change as it allows the growth of the premium content ecosystem, which ultimately benefits users. We look forward to the prospect of serving users more high quality content!" Reference Link

06:09 EDT U.S. Concrete acquires Action Supply - U.S. Concrete announced it has acquired the assets of Action Supply, which supplies the Philadelphia metropolitan market with high-quality, high-strength ready-mixed concrete to commercial and infrastructure construction projects. Action's proximity to U.S. Concrete's recently acquired aggregates production facility, Corbett Aggregates Companies, LLC, offers immediate synergies from the vertical integration of fine aggregates.

06:05 EDT MannKind says FDA updates Afrezza prescribing information - MannKind announced that the U.S. FDA has approved an update to the Afrezza prescribing information to include new clinical data that was presented at the American Diabetes Association's 76th Scientific Sessions in June 2016. Afrezza inhalation powder is approved by the FDA to improve glycemic control in adult patients with type 1 and type 2 diabetes mellitus. It is the only inhaled rapid-acting mealtime insulin available in the United States. Afrezza is dosed at the beginning of a meal and begins to appear in the blood in approximately one minute. Key highlights of the label update: Inclusion of study data that describe the time-action profile by dosage strength, showing first measurable effect starts in approximately 12 minutes, peak effects occur approximately 35 to 45 minutes after dosing and return to baseline after approximately 1.5 to 3 hours for the 4 and 12 unit cartridges respectively. Clarity on "Starting" and "Adjusting" mealtime dose. Updated pregnancy and lactation section to conform to current FDA label guidance.

06:02 EDT Egan-Jones recommends P&G shareholders vote for Nelson Peltz - Trian Fund Management, whose investment funds beneficially own approximately $3.5B of shares of The Procter & Gamble Company, announced that Egan-Jones Ratings Company, an independent proxy advisory firm, has joined Institutional Shareholders Services Inc., and Glass Lewis & Co., LLC in recommending that P&G shareholders vote "FOR" Nelson Peltz on the WHITE proxy card at P&G's Annual Meeting of Shareholders on October 10, 2017. Trian says, "Trian is gratified that all three independent proxy advisory firms agree that Nelson Peltz's significant consumer packaged goods experience and long track record of improving performance at consumer companies will add significant value to the P&G Board. Egan-Jones' report also underscores the failure of P&G's Board and management team to appropriately address the issues which have led to the Company's consistent underperformance relative to its peers over the past decade. Trian strongly urges fellow shareholders to vote "FOR" Nelson Peltz on the WHITE proxy card."

05:59 EDT TSMC's future leadership to be Mark Liu as chairman, C.C. Wei as CEO - Currently, Mark Liu and C.C. Wei serve as co-CEOs of TSMC.

05:45 EDT AXIS Capital acquires shares of Novae Group - AXIS Capital announced that it has acquired the shares of Novae Group at a price of 715 pence per share. AXIS expects to secure management control of Novae, and to begin integration of the combined businesses, no later than October 18, pending final European Commission approval of the transaction. AXIS and Novae announced a proposed Scheme of Arrangement on July 5, 2017, whereby AXIS would acquire all of the shares of Novae to form a combined business. On August 29, 2017, AXIS announced that Novae shareholders had approved the Scheme of Arrangement, which went into effect on Monday. The transaction has received regulatory approval from the Prudential Regulation Authority, the Financial Conduct Authority, Lloyd's of London and the Bermuda Monetary Authority.

05:29 EDT Durect, Indivior sign $17.5M patent purchase agreement - Durect announced a patent purchase agreement with Indivior UK Limited, an affiliate of Indivior PLC, whereby Durect has assigned certain of its U.S. patent rights to Indivior. This assignment may provide further intellectual property protection for RBP-7000, Indivior's investigational once-monthly injectable risperidone product for the treatment of schizophrenia. Indivior announced that it has submitted a New Drug Application, or NDA, for RBP-7000 to the FDA. Under the terms of the agreement, Indivior has made an upfront non-refundable payment to Durect of $12.5M, with the potential for an additional $5M based on a regulatory milestone, as well as quarterly earn-out payments that are based on a single digit percentage of U.S. net sales for certain products covered by the patent rights, including RBP-7000. The patent rights include granted patents extending through at least 2026.