Stockwinners Market Radar for December 13, 2017 - Earnings, Upgrades downgrades, option trades, Best Stock Advisory Service

18:47 EDT AT&T and Communications Workers of America reach tentative agreement - AT&T Mobility has reached a tentative agreement with the Communications Workers of America in Mobility Orange contract negotiations. The four-year agreement, which will be submitted to the union's membership for a ratification vote in coming days, covers about 20,000 employees in 36 states and the District of Columbia - AT&T's Mobility Orange unit, which encompasses CWA Districts 1, 2-13, 4, 7 and 9.

18:15 EDT Wells Fargo raises prime rate to 4.5% from 4.25%, effective December 14

18:06 EDT Associated Banc-Corp raises prime rate to 4.5% from 4.25%, effective December 13

18:03 EDT CenterPoint Energy raises quarterly dividend 4% to 27.75c per share - CenterPoint Energy announced that its board of directors declared a regular quarterly cash dividend of 27.75c per share of common stock, payable on March 8, 2018, to shareholders of record at the close of business on February 15, 2018. This represents approximately a 4% increase from the previous quarterly dividend of 26.75c, and if annualized, would equate to $1.11 per share. CenterPoint Energy will begin utilizing a standardized payment schedule for future dividends with dividends payable on the second Thursday of March, June, September and December to shareholders of record at the close of business on the third Thursday of February, May, August and November.

18:01 EDT Western Alliance: Sarver to transition from chairman, CEO to exec chairman in Q1 - Western Alliance Bancorporation announced that during the first quarter of 2018 Robert Sarver will transition from Chairman and CEO to Executive Chairman. In conjunction with Sarver's change in role, Ken Vecchione will be promoted to Chief Executive Officer, Dale Gibbons to Vice Chairman and Chief Financial Officer, and James Haught to President and Chief Operating Officer, all effective April 1, 2018.

18:00 EDT Webster raises prime lending rate to 4.5% from 4.25% - Webster Financial announced that it has raised its prime lending rate to 4.5% from 4.25% effective tomorrow, December 14, 2017.

17:47 EDT Aqua America names CEO Christopher Franklin as board chairman - Aqua America announced that President and CEO Christopher H. Franklin has been elected chairman of the board, effective Jan. 1, 2018. Franklin became CEO in July 2015 and has served on the board of directors since October 2015. He succeeds Nicholas DeBenedictis, former CEO, who will continue to serve on the board as chairman emeritus.

17:36 EDT TCF Financial raises prime rate to 4.5% from 4.25%, effective December 14

17:33 EDT Cheetah Mobile up over 3.5% at $11.60 after Microsoft partnership announcement

17:31 EDT Cheetah Mobile to partner with Microsoft on AI services - Cheetah Mobile Inc (CMCM) and Microsoft Corp (MSFT) announced a collaboration to incorporate Microsoft's AI-based technologies and services into Cheetah Mobile's product matrix. As the first phase of the collaboration, Microsoft's Cortana virtual assistant will be integrated into Cheetah Mobile's leading mobile launcher app, CM Launcher, making it the first mobile launcher app to incorporate Cortana. Going forward, Microsoft and Cheetah Mobile plan to cooperate on additional Cheetah Mobile products, such as Cheetah Keyboard. The Cortana version of CM Launcher is now available as an open beta in the United States, Britain, Canada and Australia. The official version will be released in the above countries in January 2018.

17:31 EDT Westwater Resources Inc trading resumes

17:29 EDT RCI Hospitality extends filing date of Annual Report - RCI Hospitality has filed with the SEC an extension of no more than 15 calendar days to file its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended September 30, 2017. The company first reported the filing of its 10-K might be delayed due to time lost as a result of the hurricane in September and the transition to a new accounting system in October.

17:25 EDT Shanda Media raises stake in LendingClub to 20.2% from 18.8%

17:20 EDT PNC raises prime lending rate to 4.5% - PNC announced an increase in its prime lending rate. The new rate of 4.5% is effective tomorrow, Dec. 14, 2017.

17:13 EDT General Dynamics awarded $198.1M U.S. Navy contract - General Dynamics Mission Systems Inc., Scottsdale, Arizona, is being awarded a $198,082,976 indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract for the continued procurement, manufacturing, testing and delivery of AN/USC-61 digital modular radio systems, high frequency distribution amplifier group components, spares for both systems, and engineering services to support their continued fielding and maintenance plans. DMR is a modular, software reprogrammable radio system with embedded cryptography that provides all radio frequency to-baseband and baseband-to-RF conversion functions required for line-of-sight, beyond LOS and satellite communications systems operating between 2.0 megahertz to 2.0 gigahertz. This contract has a five-year ordering period up to the contract award amount. There is one option which, if exercised, would bring the cumulative value of the contract to an estimated $208,938,908. Work will be performed in Scottsdale, Arizona, and is expected to be completed by December 2022.

17:10 EDT KCAP Financial cuts quarterly dividend to 10c from 12c - The distribution is payable on January 25, 2018 to shareholders of record at the close of business as of January 5, 2018.

17:07 EDT Remark Holdings partners with China ShenHua Energy - Remark Holdings announced that China ShenHua Energy Company has selected KanKan as its artificial intelligence technology partner in a project to enhance ShenHua Energy's worker management and improve mining and construction safety. The project is expected to result in significant improvements in production efficiency and worker safety, while simultaneously reducing human resource management costs and costs resulting from safety-related incidents. China Shenhua Energy Company, also known as Shenhua Energy, is a state-owned enterprise and a subsidiary of Shenhua Group. The company, which is the largest coal mining enterprise in the world, engages in the production and sale of coal in China.

17:04 EDT Westwater Resources to acquire Alabama Graphite - Westwater Resources announced that it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Alabama Graphite Corp. pursuant to a plan of arrangement under the Business Corporations Act. Pursuant to the Arrangement, Westwater will acquire all of the issued and outstanding common shares of AGC in exchange for shares of common stock of Westwater at a ratio of 0.08 of a share of Westwater common stock for each AGC Share. Based on the closing prices of each company's common shares on December 11, 2017, the Exchange Ratio represents a discount of approximately 2.3% to current AGC shareholders. Following completion of the Acquisition, Westwater shareholders are expected to retain ownership of approximately 70% of Westwater's common stock outstanding. In addition, certain issued and outstanding options and warrants to acquire AGC Shares will be converted into rights to purchase shares of common stock of Westwater based on the Exchange Ratio. The boards of directors of Westwater and AGC each unanimously approved the Arrangement Agreement. Both Boards of Directors received opinions that the proposed transaction is fair from a financial point of view to the respective shareholders of Westwater and AGC. Roth Capital Partners, LLC provided the fairness opinion to the Westwater's board of directors and Echelon Wealth Partners, Inc. provided the fairness opinion to the AGC Special Committee of its board of directors. Consummation of the Arrangement is subject to customary closing conditions, including, among others the approval of WWR's and AGC's respective shareholders and approval of the court. The Arrangement Agreement includes customary representations, warranties, and covenants by the parties, including, customary deal protection and exclusivity agreements, no-shop and no-talk provisions, matching and notification rights in the event of a competing proposal and expense reimbursement fees payable by Alabama Graphite to Westwater in specified circumstances.

17:00 EDT Piedmont Office Realty declares special dividend of 50c - Piedmont Office Realty Trust announced that its board declared a special cash dividend of 50c per common share payable on January 9, 2018 to stockholders of record as of the close of business on December 26, 2017. The decision to declare a special dividend was a result of taxable gains realized on the sale of approximately $396 million of assets during 2017.

16:50 EDT Harsco renews multi-year services contract in Bahrain - Harsco's Metals & Minerals division has successfully renewed a multi-year services contract with SULB Company, a manufacturer of multi-sized angles and beams in the Gulf Cooperation Council. Under this contract, Harsco will provide slag management, raw material and finished product handling, and other services to SULB's Al-Hidd plant. Harsco has provided onsite steel plant services to SULB in Bahrain since 2012.

16:41 EDT Tintri retains investment bank to explore strategic options, reduce cash burn - "We made progress in the quarter by expanding our differentiated technology portfolio with two new all-flash product lines and software that integrates our products with leading public cloud storage solutions. These innovations helped us to increase our footprint with existing customers. However, we are disappointed with Q3 revenue. The company was impacted by delayed and reduced purchases by some accounts, but some of the delayed transactions closed in November," said Ken Klein, Chairman and CEO at Tintri. "Despite the lower revenue, we saw improvement in our gross margin and our non-GAAP earnings per share met consensus expectations. We are exploring strategic options available to the company to deliver value to our stockholders, including retaining investment bank advisors to assist us in this process and optimizing our operating model to reduce our cash burn rate and shorten the time to generate positive cash flow."

16:38 EDT Nordson up over 6% afterhours at $135 following Q4 earnings beat

16:37 EDT Landstar System increases stock purchase program to 3M shares - Landstar System announced that on December 11, 2017, its board of directors increased the number of shares of its common stock that the company is authorized to purchase under its stock purchase program to 3M. The increase to the share purchase program reflects a new authorization to purchase 1,964,875 shares of Landstar System common stock in addition to the remaining capacity under the existing authorization to purchase 1,036,125 shares. The company also announced that its board has declared a special one-time cash dividend in the amount of $1.50 per share, payable on January 26, 2018, to stockholders of record as of the close of business on January 12, 2018.

16:34 EDT Nordson reports backlog approximately $402M at Q4-end - An increase of 45% compared to the same period a year ago, inclusive of 28% organic growth and 17% growth due to acquisitions. Backlog amounts are calculated at October 31 exchange rates.

16:29 EDT KeyCorp raises prime lending rate to 4.5% from 4.25%, effective December 14

16:25 EDT CalAtlantic acquires Atlanta-based Home South Communities, terms not stated - CalAtlantic Homes announced the acquisition of homebuilding operations of Atlanta, Georgia-based Home South Communities, one of the largest privately-held homebuilders in the Atlanta metro market. As a result of the transaction, CalAtlantic now owns and controls an additional 970 homesites across 17 communities, seven of which are actively selling. The balance of the communities are expected to be actively selling in 2018. In connection with the acquisition, CalAtlantic has extended offers of employment to employees of Home South Communities who were engaged in the company's homebuilding business.

16:20 EDT Bombardier to provide component management support for Philippine Airlines craft - Bombardier Commercial Aircraft announced today that Air Philippines Corporation, operator of Philippine Airlines affiliate airline PAL Express, has signed an eight-year Smart Parts agreement to provide component management for the airline's 12 new, dual-class Q400 aircraft. Philippine Airlines signed a firm order for five Q400 aircraft in December 2016 and exercised its purchase rights for another seven turboprops during the 2017 Paris International Air Show. Bombardier Commercial Aircraft launched the Smart Parts program to provide Component Management Solutions in support of the Q400 aircraft fleet.

16:20 EDT Puma Biotechnology: EMA requests advisory group to opine on neratinib MAA - Puma Biotechnology announced that the European Medicines Agency has requested that the Scientific Advisory Group on Oncology provide an opinion on the clinical aspects of the Marketing Authorization Application for neratinib at a meeting to be held on January 11, 2018. In Europe, neratinib is an investigational therapy for the extended adjuvant treatment of early stage HER2-positive breast cancer that has previously been treated with a trastuzumab containing regimen. The Scientific Advisory Group on Oncology is convened at the request of the EMA to provide independent recommendations on scientific or technical matters related to pediatric and adult clinical oncology and hematology, or on any other scientific issue relevant to the work of the EMA that relates to this area.

16:10 EDT QAD Inc declares cash dividend of 7.2c per Class A share, 6c per Class B share - QAD Inc. announced that its Board of Directors has declared a quarterly cash dividend of 7.2c per share of Class A common stock and 6c per share of Class B common stock payable on January 4, 2018 to shareholders of record at the close of business on December 26, 2017.

16:09 EDT Flexion acquires rights to GQ-203 for up to $8.7M - Flexion Therapeutics announced it has entered into a definitive agreement with GeneQuine Biotherapeutics GmbH to acquire the global rights to GQ-203. As part of the agreement, Flexion obtained an exclusive license to the underlying intellectual property rights for human use of GQ-203 from Baylor College of Medicine. GQ-203, now known as FX201, is a preclinical, non-opioid, intra-articular therapeutic being developed for symptomatic pain relief and disease modification in patients with osteoarthritis of the knee. As part of the deal, Flexion will make an upfront payment of $2 million to GeneQuine and may incur milestone payments of up to $8.7 million through Phase 2 proof of concept. Following successful PoC, Flexion may incur up to $54 million in future development and global regulatory approval milestone payments, with Baylor also receiving a low single-digit royalty on net sales of FX201. After taking into account Flexion's payment obligations in connection with the acquisition and the anticipated preclinical and clinical development costs for FX201, the company still expects current cash to bring Flexion to profitability. FX201 is a locally administered gene therapy designed to stimulate the production of an anti-inflammatory protein, interleukin-1 receptor antagonist, whenever inflammation is present within the joint. Inflammation is a known cause of pain, and chronic inflammation is thought to play a major role in the progression of OA. By persistently suppressing inflammation, FX201 may both reduce pain and modify the disease.

16:08 EDT Universal Display and Royole announce OLED evaluation agreement - Universal Display Corporation announced an OLED evaluation agreement with Royole Corporation, a global pioneer and developer of advanced flexible OLED displays, flexible sensors, and smart device electronics. Under this agreement, Universal Display will collaborate with Royole Corporation and supply its proprietary UniversalPHOLED phosphorescent OLED materials and technology for Royole's display applications. Details and financial terms of the agreement have not been disclosed.

16:07 EDT YRC Worldwide announces CEO transition plan - YRC Worldwide announced that James Welch, the company's CEO, has informed the board of his intention to retire from the company July 31, 2018. Welch intends to remain CEO of YRC Worldwide until that date. Effective January 1, 2018, YRC Freight President Darren Hawkins will assume the transitional role of president and COO of YRC Worldwide. In this newly created role, Hawkins will oversee YRC Freight, Holland, Reddaway and New Penn in addition to other responsibilities. At the regularly scheduled July 2018 board meeting, the board intends to name Hawkins as the successor to Welch as CEO of YRCW. Hawkins will report to Welch during the transition.

16:02 EDT AveXis to initiate Phase 1 study of AVXS-101 in SMA - AveXis, Inc announced the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has notified the company that, based on review of data submitted, the company may initiate its planned Phase 1 clinical trial of AVXS-101 for patients with spinal muscular atrophy commercial manufacturing process at the AveXis manufacturing facility. The company plans to initiate this trial immediately. The company anticipates providing an update on feedback from FDA following the receipt of the final meeting minutes in early January.

15:20 EDT BB&T raises prime lending rate to 4.5% from 4.25%, effective immediately

15:08 EDT M&T Bank to increase prime lending rate to 4.5% from 4.25% - Effective Thursday, December 14, M&T Bank will increase its prime lending rate from 4.25% to 4.50%.

15:01 EDT Altice USA, Charter, Comcast agree to form new interconnect in New York DMA - Altice USA (ATUS), Charter Communications (CHTR), and Comcast Cable (CMCSA) announced that they have reached a preliminary agreement to form a new Interconnect in the New York market that will provide a one-stop advertising solution to reach more than 6.2M households across the New York DMA, the largest advertising market in the country. For marketers, agencies and advertisers, the new Interconnect will provide an enhanced way to strategically reach audiences across TV and digital platforms. The new Interconnect is expected to launch in early second quarter 2018. The new Interconnect will provide advertising clients with access to households served by Altice USA, Charter Communications and Comcast as well as other MVPDs serving the New York DMA. In addition, the new Interconnect will manage all DMA-wide, non-local advertising sales on both News 12 Networks and Spectrum News NY1, two of the top hyperlocal news stations in the New York tri-state area. The new Interconnect will provide advertisers in the New York DMA with a variety of advanced advertising products and solutions, including the ability to place their commercial ads on up to 85 hit cable networks with the most popular television programming, as well as offering highly-optimized linear and digital planning tools and campaign measurement.

14:59 EDT Yellen: Bitcoin 'highly speculative,' plays 'very small role' in payments system - Fed Chair Janet Yellen made the comments about bitcoin in her FOMC meeting press conference.

14:16 EDT Gemalto rejects Atos proposal for undervaluing company, being too uncertain - Gemalto N.V.announces that it has rejected the "unsolicited and conditional" proposal by Atos SE for a possible recommended cash offer for all issued and outstanding shares of the company at an offer price of EUR46 per share, cum dividend, as announced by Atos on December 11. Philippe Vallee, Gemalto CEO commented: "In 11 years, we have turned Gemalto into a technology Blue-Chip, recognized in over 180 countries throughout the world. In 11 years, the Company has created 5 000 jobs. In 11 years, Gemalto has become the world leader in digital security. We have taken the measure of the recent changes in our historical markets, taken the responsible decisions and are now focused on leveraging the many opportunities of our fast-growing markets. We will soon be presenting to our stakeholders our ambitious and substantial development plan for the Company that will focus on the next generation of digital security for companies, governments and citizens worldwide." The Atos proposal does not form the basis for constructive engagement as it: fails to provide a compelling strategy versus Gemalto's standalone prospects; significantly undervalues the company; fails to adequately address the interests of its various stakeholders; and does not offer sufficient deal certainty, the company stated.

14:11 EDT NJ reports November gaming revenue up 4.6% to $206.4M - New Jersey's Division of Gaming Enforcement reported casino win from the industry for November was $185.8M, compared to $180.1M in November 2016, reflecting a 3.2% increase. Internet gaming win was $20.6M in November, compared to $17.2 million in the prior period, reflecting an increase of 20.0%. The industry's total gaming win for the month was $206.4M, compared to $197.3M for November 2016, reflecting a 4.6% increase. Publicly traded companies in the casino gaming space include Boyd Gaming (BYD), Caesars (CZR), Las Vegas Sands (LVS), MGM Resorts (MGM), Penn National (PENN) and Wynn Resorts (WYNN).

14:02 EDT Fed boosts target range for federal funds rate by 25 basis points - The Federal Reserve said in today's statement, "In view of realized and expected labor market conditions and inflation, the Committee decided to raise the target range for the federal funds rate to 1-1/4 to 1-1/2 percent. The stance of monetary policy remains accommodative, thereby supporting strong labor market conditions and a sustained return to 2 percent inflation. In determining the timing and size of future adjustments to the target range for the federal funds rate, the Committee will assess realized and expected economic conditions relative to its objectives of maximum employment and 2 percent inflation. This assessment will take into account a wide range of information, including measures of labor market conditions, indicators of inflation pressures and inflation expectations, and readings on financial and international developments. The Committee will carefully monitor actual and expected inflation developments relative to its symmetric inflation goal. The Committee expects that economic conditions will evolve in a manner that will warrant gradual increases in the federal funds rate; the federal funds rate is likely to remain, for some time, below levels that are expected to prevail in the longer run. However, the actual path of the federal funds rate will depend on the economic outlook as informed by incoming data.

13:03 EDT Medtronic pays $12M in multistate settlement over marketing - Massachusetts will receive $2.4M from Medtronic in a multistate settlement resolving allegations that it unlawfully promoted a device used in certain surgical procedures, Attorney General Maura Healey announced. The payment is part of a $12M multistate settlement that concludes an investigation conducted by AG Healey and state attorneys general in Oregon, California, Illinois and Washington.

12:41 EDT Gundlach says Bitcoin has entered 'silly season' - Doubleline CEO Jeffrey Gundlach is speaking on CNBC.

12:35 EDT Senators Johnson, Collins reserving judgement on tax bill, CNBC reports

12:00 EDT Salisbury Bank agrres to buy Fishkill branch of Orange Bank - Salisbury Bank and Trust Company, the wholly owned bank subsidiary of Salisbury Bancorp, announced that it has executed a definitive agreement to acquire the Fishkill, New York branch of Orange Bank & Trust Company, the wholly owned bank subsidiary of Orange County Bancorp and assume approximately $23M in deposits and purchase approximately $8M in branch related loans. The transaction is subject to approval by regulatory authorities and is expected to be completed during the second quarter of 2018.

11:20 EDT Credit Acceptance moves lower following short report from PlainSite - Shares of Credit Acceptance are down 1.4% to $321.60 following the publication of the report. Reference Link

11:10 EDT Target: Shipt to continue to run business independently post-acquisition - Shipt will be a wholly owned Target subsidiary, and will continue to run its business independently. It also plans to expand partnerships with other retailers seeking same-day, last-mile capabilities. All current Shipt employees will continue to be employed by Shipt and will work from their current offices in Birmingham and San Francisco. CEO Bill Smith will remain in his current role, and will report to Target COO, John Mulligan. In addition to same-day delivery capabilities, Target will also leverage Shipt's expertise as the company enhances and strengthens its supply chain, including integration with the recently acquired transportation technology company, Grand Junction.

11:02 EDT Target to bring same-day delivery services to half of stores by early 2018

11:01 EDT Target to buy same-day delivery platform Shipt for $550M in cash - Target announced it has agreed to acquire Shipt, Inc., an online same-day delivery platform, for $550M in cash. Target will leverage its network of stores and Shipt's proprietary technology platform and community of shoppers to quickly and efficiently bring same-day delivery to guests across the country. The acquisition significantly accelerates Target's digital fulfillment efforts, bringing same-day delivery services to guests at approximately half of Target stores by early 2018. The service will be offered from the majority of Target stores, and in all major markets, before the 2018 holiday season. At launch, Target will offer same-day delivery of groceries, essentials, home, electronics and other products, while expanding the products offered over time. By the end of 2019, same-day delivery will include all major product categories at Target. The transaction is subject to customary closing conditions and is expected to close prior to the end of calendar year 2017. This all-cash acquisition will be immaterial to Target's near-term financial results. It is expected to be modestly accretive to the company's earnings per share in 2018, while accelerating digital and total sales growth over the medium term. "We laid out an ambitious strategic agenda in early 2017, which included a focus on giving our guests a number of convenient ways to shop with Target, whether it's ordering online and picking up in one of our stores, driving up to pick up an order, or taking advantage of services like our new Restock program. With Shipt's network of local shoppers and their current market penetration, we will move from days to hours, dramatically accelerating our ability to bring affordable same-day delivery to guests across the country," said John Mulligan, EVP and COO for Target. "By the 2018 holiday season, we will be servicing every major market across the country with same-day delivery, and Shipt's service-oriented approach aligns well with Target's commitment to delivering an exceptional shopping experience for our guests."

10:34 EDT Finisar jumps after Apple investment for FaceID component - Shares of chipmaker Finisar (FNSR) are on the rise after Apple (AAPL) awarded the company $390M from its $1B fund set up to drive advanced manufacturing capabilities. Competitor Lumentum (LITE) is sliding following the news. APPLE INVESTMENT: Apple has announced that Finisar will receive $390M from its $1B Advanced Manufacturing Fund. "The award will enable Finisar to exponentially increase its R&D spending and high-volume production of vertical-cavity surface-emitting lasers. VCSELs power some of Apple's most popular new features, including Face ID, Animoji and Portrait mode selfies made possible with the iPhone X TrueDepth camera, as well as the proximity-sensing capabilities of AirPods," Apple said in a press release. It added that Finisar will transform a 700,000-square-foot manufacturing plant in Sherman, Texas, into the "high-tech VCSEL capital of the US." Apple's award will create more than 500 high-skill jobs at the Sherman facility, the company said. UPSIDE OPPORTUNITY FOR FINISAR: In a research note this morning, Piper Jaffray analyst Troy Jensen raised his price target on Finisar to $28 from $22 after the company was awarded the Apple investment, saying that he believes the deal solidifies a long-term relationship between the companies. The analyst argued that the award Apple is giving Finisar will also lead to significant future share of the former's VCSEL needs. Up until now, Jensen had assumed Finisar only had 25% of the high-powered VCSEL for the iPhone X and Lumentum had 75% of the high-power and 100% of the low-power VCSEL. Now, given Apple's cash commitment to Finisar, the analyst believes Finisar could capture significantly more share than previously expected and could ramp capacity of the low-power VCSEL for Apple in addition to any other power variations that the latter is looking at for both front and back-facing iPhone applications. Jensen reiterated an Overweight rating on Finisar's shares. BOOST FOR 3DS: Stifel analyst Patrick Newton also raised his price target for Finisar to $26 from $22 after the announcement. The analyst sees the news as further legitimizing 3D Sensing technology, eliminating any investor concern that Apple may revert to finger print sensors in the future as some data on iPhone X sell through has lagged expectations. Moreover, Newton argued that the announcement supports his view that 3D Sensing will be adopted across all iPhones in the 2018 cycle, and iPads will be equipped with the technology as well. Nonetheless, the analyst told investors that many questions remain, including how this impacts Apple's supplier landscape and Lumentum's share, Finisar's commitments made to Apple in order to secure the investment, impacts to VCSEL array pricing, and exactly how much incremental supply the facility supports. He reiterated a Buy rating on Finisar shares. PRICE ACTION: In morning trading, shares of Finisar have gained more than 29% to $24.90, while Lumentum's stock has dropped over 10% to $46.55. Shares of Apple have advanced about 1% to $173.02.

10:29 EDT Eli Lilly says will continue to work to reduce costs - Says will continue to work to reduce costs. Sees generic competition for Cialis as early as September. Says plans to incur expenses associated with Elanco review, no matter the outcome. Comments taken from Eli Lilly's 2018 guidance conference call. Shares are up nearly 2% to $88.24 in morning trading.

10:09 EDT AT&T down 1.5% after T-Mobile announcement of TV service plans

10:02 EDT T-Mobile to acquire TV tech company Layer3 TV, launch new TV service in 2018 - T-Mobile US resident and CEO John Legere unveiled the next phase in the Un-carrier's mobile video strategy, announcing plans to launch a disruptive new TV service in 2018. To fuel that, Legere also announced the Un-carrier has signed a definitive agreement to acquire TV technology innovator Layer3 TV, Inc. and will work with Layer3 TV's leading technology and talent to create T-Mobile's new TV service. People love their TV, but they hate their TV providers. And worse, they have no real choice but to simply take it - the crappy customer service, clunky technology and outrageous bills loaded with fees! That's where we come in. We're gonna fix the pain points and bring real choice to consumers across the country," said John Legere, president and CEO of T-Mobile. "It only makes sense for the Un-carrier to do to TV what we're doing to wireless: change it for good! Personally, I can't wait to start fighting for consumers here!" T-Mobile added: "Currently, Layer3 TV delivers a product that seamlessly integrates the best of television, streaming online video content and social media and is available in five cities across the US. With Layer3 TV's leading technology and talented team, T-Mobile plans to launch its own disruptive new TV service next year, tapping into the amazing content available from creators today to disrupt legacy cable and satellite TV's distribution model. The Un-carrier's new TV service will take full advantage of T-Mobile's nationwide retail presence, top-rated brand and award-winning sales and customer care organizations."

10:01 EDT T-Mobile to launch 'disruptive' new TV service in 2018

09:50 EDT Teva in focus ahead of restructuring as former interim CEO exits board - Shares of Teva Pharmaceutical (TEVA) are in focus in morning trading following reports that the company will unveil a new restructuring plan that will include layoffs as part of the company's plans to reduce debt and improve its performance. Separately, the pharmaceutical company said that its former interim chief executive officer has resigned from the board, effective immediately. RESTRUCTURING PLAN DETAILS: Teva is planning to announce a new restructuring plan on Thursday, Reuters reported, citing the Calcalist financial news website. According to Reuters, citing Calcalist, the program will involve closing its research and development center in Netanya and selling its logistics center in Shoham. The plan will also include laying off a third of its workforce in Israel, where it currently employs 6,800 workers. Last week, Bloomberg said that Teva was considering cutting its global workforce by up to 10,000 as new CEO Kare Schultz looks to cut costs. Teva is looking to lower expenses by $1.5B-$2B in the next two years, sources said at the time. In November, Bloomberg said Teva was planning to cut up to 25% of its Israeli workforce and more than 10% of its U.S.-based workers and some in Europe. PETERBURG RESIGNATION: Separately, Teva said in a regulatory filing on Tuesday that former interim chairman and CEO Yitzhak Peterburg was stepping down from its board, effective immediately. Peterburg served as chairman at the time of Teva's decision to buy Actavis Generics (AGN). In a statement, Teva said Peterburg's decision to resign "is solely for personal reasons and does not involve any disagreement with the company." WHAT'S NOTABLE: Kare Schultz officially joined Teva as CEO on November 1 and is looking to take steps to deal with the company's massive debt load. After Teva lowered its fiscal 2017 guidance on November 2, Schultz said he will do "whatever is needed" to improve Teva's performance. On November 27, Teva ousted three top division heads in an effort to streamline operations. Schultz announced plans to combine the company's generic and specialty drugs business, as well as the research and development groups for those units. "Teva is taking decisive and immediate action to address external pressures and internal inefficiencies," Schultz said. Teva also said Michael Hayden, the chief scientific officer, Rob Koremans, head of global specialty medicines, and Dipankar Bhattacharjee, head of the global generic medicines group, would step down at the end of the year. Interim CFO Michael McClellan was named as executive vice president and chief financial officer. At the time, Wells Fargo analyst David Maris said that it seems Schultz is approaching Teva "with an ax in each hand, not hedge clippers or pruning shears." Maris added that "We think the market will like this in the short run, but will eventually have serious questions as to whether this approach is cutting fat or muscle." CURRENT ANALYST COMMENTARY: Bank of America Merrill Lynch analyst Jason Gerberry commented on restructuring reports, saying that the proposed cost synergies could hinder growth and risk of multiple de-rating. In his view, Teva's stock is "priced to perfection," as shares trade at a premium to Mylan (MYL). PRICE ACTION: In early trading, Teva shares trading in New York are down 1.3% to $16.30.

09:45 EDT Tennant shareholder PrimeStone Capital urges merger with Nilfisk Holding - In a regulatory filing prior to the open, PrimeStone Capital disclosed that it holds a 5.2% stake in Tennant and will "seek to continue to engage in a constructive dialogue" with Tennant outlining the firm's belief that the company should undertake a strategic review process regarding a consolidation transaction with Nilfisk Holding A/S, in which PrimeStone Fund is a greater than 5% shareholder.

09:35 EDT eBay announces agreement to acquire Terapeak - eBay announced that it has signed an agreement to acquire Terapeak, a company that uses supply, demand and pricing data to help ecommerce sellers know what to sell, when to sell it and at what price on marketplaces such as eBay. Upon the close of the transaction, eBay will begin integrating certain functionality from Terapeak into its Seller Hub. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.

09:34 EDT Facebook, WWE launch live in-ring series on Facebook Watch - Facebook (FB) and WWE (WWE) announced a new in-ring series, Mixed Match Challenge, that will stream live in the U.S. exclusively on Facebook on Tuesday nights beginning January 16 at 10 p.m. ET. The 12-episode series will air on Facebook Watch and feature WWE Superstars from both the Raw and SmackDown Live rosters competing in a single-elimination mixed tag-team tournament to win $100,000 to support the charity of their choice. Each 20-minute episode will reflect a progressive approach to production, with elements optimized for mobile consumption, experimentation and social interaction, including the ability for fans to engage with Superstars during the show. In addition, fans will have the opportunity to select match-ups, match stipulations and more, on Facebook.

09:32 EDT U.S. Geothermal agrees to acquire remaining ownership in Raft River Energy I - U.S. Geothermal (HTM) announced that it has reached an agreement to acquire its partner's remaining ownership interest in Raft River Energy I LLC from Goldman Sachs (GS). The purchase is scheduled to close on January 2, 2018 and the price consists of a one-time, $350,000 cash payment from U.S. Geothermal to Goldman Sachs. The company will then own 100 percent of the project.

09:29 EDT Caterpillar reports retail machines sales up 26% in three months end November - Caterpillar reported in a regulatory filing that its total retail machines sales were up 26% on a three month rolling basis in November. For reference, retail sales of machines were up 19% in the period ending in the prior month and up 13% in the period ending in September. The company reported world Resources Industries sales up 35% in the November-end period, compared to an October period increase of 18%. Construction Industries world sales were up 25% in the November-end period, better than the 20% increase in the prior three-month period. Total Energy & Transportation Retail Sales were up 23% in the November-end period, in line with the prior three-month period.

09:22 EDT On The Fly: Pre-market Movers - HIGHER: Finisar (FNSR), up 25% after Apple (AAPL) awarded the company $390M from its $1B Advanced Manufacturing Fund. Apple is up marginally... Limelight Networks (LLNW), up 1.7% after announcing fiscal 2018 guidance... Western Digital (WDC), up 3.4% after confirming a settlement agreement with Toshiba (TOSBF, TOSYY). DOWN AFTER EARNINGS: Verifone (PAY), down 7.4%... MongoDB (MDB), down 5.5%... Civitas (CIVI), down 5.6%... Arrowhead Pharmaceuticals (ARWR), down 2.5%. ALSO LOWER: Eli Lilly (LLY), down just under 1% after announcing guidance for FY17 and FY18... TD Ameritrade (AMTD), down 2.1% after its 27.7M share Spot Secondary priced at $51.50... Nordic American Tanker (NAT), down 23.4% after its 36.37M share Spot Secondary priced at $2.75.

09:09 EDT Cummins, NRG Energy partner for technology platform to reduce energy costs - Cummins (CMI) and NRG Energy, (NRG) announced a strategic partnership to deploy a resilient, cleaner and cost-effective distributed energy platform for commercial and industrial customers. This easy-to-implement solution provides customers an opportunity to transition to a smarter energy consumption model. The platform, with a preliminary estimated hundreds of megawatts capacity or enough to power tens of thousands of homes, enhances a customer's energy usage through Cummins-powered generators and NRG distributed energy resource capabilities. Cummins and NRG will form a joint development team to pursue solution sales, and market and maintain energy assets to guarantee outcomes for end-use customers.

09:05 EDT Acadia names Damien McDevitt SVP, corporate development - ACADIA Pharmaceuticals (ACAD) announced that Damien McDevitt has joined ACADIA as SVP, corporate development, leading the company's corporate development activities. He will report to Steve Davis, ACADIA's president and CEO. McDevitt joins ACADIA after more than two decades at GlaxoSmithKline (GSK), where he was VP, head of business development for R&D Extended Therapy Areas, Head of Worldwide Business Development Asia, and head of the company's R&D West Coast Satellite. ACADIA also announced that Jim Nash, SVP, technology development and operations, will be retiring from the company as of January 2018. Bob Mischler, formerly SVP, strategy and business development, will assume responsibilities for technology development and operations in addition to continuing his strategy responsibilities in the new role of SVP, strategy and technology operations.

09:04 EDT Lockheed Martin awarded $22.M contract from U.S. Air Force - Lockheed Martin received a $22.8M contract from the U.S. Air Force on behalf of the U.S. Navy to produce Paveway II Plus Laser Guided Bomb kits. The award includes guidance kits and air foil groups for GBU-12 configuration LGBs, slated for delivery by fourth quarter 2019. The contract is a follow-on to the U.S. Air Force's $131M fiscal year 2017 LGB award. In that competition, Lockheed Martin secured the ninth consecutive majority share of available funding in the annual U.S. Air Force competition.

09:02 EDT Super Micro Computer announces receipt of extension from Nasdaq Stock Market - Super Micro Computer announced that on December 11, 2017 it had received a letter from the Nasdaq Stock Market confirming that the company has been granted an exception to enable the company to regain compliance with the Nasdaq continued listing requirements. Pursuant to the terms of the exception, on or before March 13, 2018, the company must file its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2017 as well as its Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q for the quarters ended September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2017.

08:57 EDT Honeywell says M&A valuations 'challenging' - Says M&A pipeline hasn't changed in size or quality.

08:52 EDT Honeywell says M&A pipeline across all segments 'quite attractive' - Says will continue to be disciplined allocating capital.

08:31 EDT Anadarko announces open season for West Texas oil gathering and treating system - Anadarko's wholly owned subsidiary, DBM Oil Services, is holding a binding open season to identify interest in a new high-vapor-pressure oil-gathering and treating system serving portions of Reeves, Loving, Ward, and Winkler Counties in West Texas. The DBMOS system is expected to have a gathering capacity of approximately 400,000 barrels of oil per day and a treating capacity of 120,000 BOPD by the end of 2018, increasing to 180,000 BOPD in 2019 with future expansions as needed. Subject to satisfaction of regulatory requirements and other project considerations, DBMOS expects the initial phase of the system to be operational in 2Q18. The binding open season begins today and ends at 5 p.m. Central time on Dec. 28, unless extended pursuant to the terms of the open season notice.

08:29 EDT Honeywell says sees FY18 CapEx approximately $900M - Says past "heavy" CapEx period.

08:17 EDT ReShape Lifesciences awarded order from Dubai medical supplier - ReShape Lifesciences has received a significant order for its ReShape Integrated Dual Balloon System from Al Zahrawi Medical, a healthcare focused company specializing in medical, surgical, diagnostic and analytical lab and nuclear medicine supplies with presence throughout the United Arab Emirates and Qatar. This second order is to support increased demand for the Reshape Integrated Dual Balloon System from a hospital customer's growing bariatric program in Dubai.

08:14 EDT Kroger to record one-time non-cash charge of approximately $410M in Q4 - In a regulatory filing, Kroger said that it announced the ratification of a new labor agreement that provides for Kroger's withdrawal from the Central States Pension Fund. Kroger expects to record a one-time non-cash charge of approximately $410M in the fourth quarter relating to the company's liability associated with withdrawal from this fund. The actual amount of the charge could vary based on final benefit calculations. This charge does not change its expected 2017 adjusted net EPS of $2.00 to $2.05, including the 53rd week and excluding charges related to both the first quarter and fourth quarter withdrawal liabilities for certain multi-employer pension funds and a voluntary retirement offering. Kroger expects net earnings to be $1.44 to $1.49 per diluted share for 2017, which includes an estimated 9c for the 53rd week. The net earnings per diluted share and adjusted net earnings per diluted share guidance does not include one-time expenses expected to be recognized upon settlement of company-sponsored defined benefit pension plans later this year.

08:09 EDT Ormat secures $50M EPC contract for for Ngawha extension geothermal project - Ormat Technologies announced that one of its subsidiary has signed approximately $50M Engineering, Procurement and Construction, or EPC, contract, with TOP ENERGY Ltd for Ngawha extension geothermal project located in Ngawha, New Zealand. The project is expected to be completed in the first quarter of 2021. Under the EPC contract, Ormat will provide its air-cooled Ormat Energy Converters for the Ngawha geothermal extension project. This is the third EPC contract Ormat has signed with TOP ENERGY Ltd. The first one was for the Ngawha I power plant in 1998 and the second for Ngawha II power plant in 2008.

08:07 EDT ManTech appoints George Pedersen as CEO - ManTech announced that George Pedersen, the company's Chairman and CEO, will transition from his day-to-day management role as CEO to the role of Executive Chairman, effective January 1, 2018. In his new role as Executive Chairman, Pedersen will continue to guide the company's overall strategy and direction, oversee the company's M&A program, and facilitate other significant corporate activity. The company has promoted Kevin Phillips to serve as the company's new CEO, effective January 1, 2018. Pedersen will continue to serve as the Chairman of the company's Board of Directors. The Board has also elected and appointed Phillips to serve on the Board.

08:04 EDT Durect announces NDA acceptance of Indivior's RBP-7000 risperidone monthly depot - Durect announced that Indivior PLC has reported that the FDA has accepted the New Drug Application for RBP-7000. RBP-7000 is an investigational, once-monthly injectable risperidone for the treatment of schizophrenia. Indivior PLC further reported that the FDA has set a Prescription Drug User Fee Act target action date of July 28, 2018. On September 26, Durect entered into a patent purchase agreement whereby Durect has assigned to Indivior UK Limited, an affiliate of Invidior PLC, certain patents that may provide further intellectual property protection for RBP-7000. Indivior has made an upfront non-refundable payment to Durect of $12.5M and has also agreed to make an additional $5M payment to Durect contingent upon NDA approval of RBP-7000, 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 assigned patent rights, including RBP-7000. The patent rights include granted patents extending through at least 2026.

08:03 EDT Capricor Therapeutics announces issuance of key patent on exosome technology - Capricor Therapeutics announced that the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office has issued U.S. Patent 9,828,603, which includes composition of matter claims covering cardiosphere-derived cell exosomes. This patent, entitled "Exosomes and Micro-ribonucleic Acids for Tissue Regeneration," is expected to run until at least 2033. "The issuance of this patent is an important milestone as Capricor plans to extend the scope of its clinical programs to the development of CAP-2003, which has demonstrated the ability to profoundly modulate the immune response, decrease inflammation, and stimulate cell growth in a variety of disease models," said Linda Marban, Ph.D., Capricor's president and CEO. "Capricor plans to initially develop CAP-2003 for hypoplastic left heart syndrome, a congenital heart defect that affects about 960 newborns in the U.S. each year and is associated with high rates of mortality and heart failure secondary to the condition. Pending regulatory clearance, we expect to commence a clinical trial of CAP-2003 in patients with hypoplastic left heart syndrome in 2018."

08:01 EDT Elliott: UBS report supports view that NXP's value in excess of Qualcomm offer - Elliott Advisors, which advises funds that collectively hold an economic interest in NXP Semiconductors N.V. (NXPI) of approximately 6%, today released the UBS Valuation Report delivered to it by UBS Investment Bank in which UBS estimates, as of the date of the report, that the midpoint of the trading multiples valuation of NXP's shares is approximately $136.51 per share. Prior to the UBS Valuation Report being delivered to Elliott, the report underwent all UBS internal reviews that are customary in relation to UBS providing such a valuation report or opinion. Elliott encourages fellow shareholders to review the UBS Valuation Report and consider the analyses presented. In response to Qualcomm's (QCOM) claim that Elliott's value assertion is "unsupportable," Elliott directs Qualcomm and other interested parties to Elliott's presentation released shortly before Qualcomm's statement on Monday, December 11, which is available to view and download at www.FairValueForNXP.com. As detailed in the presentation, Elliott's assessment of NXP's valuation is based on extensive due diligence which has included input from numerous industry experts and advisors. In addition, Elliott has released the UBS Valuation Report, in which UBS estimates the value range of NXP's shares on a trading basis to be approximately $120 to $150 per share. Elliott believes this report provides further evidence that its valuation is well supported and fair. Elliott has now published both its own analysis and the analysis of UBS, each of which supports its assessment of NXP's valuation. Elliott encourages Qualcomm to publish the analysis it has undertaken to support its assertion that $110 is "full and fair."

07:34 EDT Lennox backs FY17 CapEx view approximately $100M - Reiterating 2017 guidance for corporate expenses of approximately $85M. Reiterating 2017 guidance for an effective tax rate of 31%-32% on an adjusted basis for the full year.

07:33 EDT MabVax Therapeutics completes enrollment and dosing in Phase 1 MVT-1075 trial - MabVax Therapeutics completed enrollment and dosing of all patients in the initial cohort of the Phase 1 clinical trial evaluating the company's new human antibody-based radioimmunotherapy product MVT-1075 for the treatment of pancreatic, colon and lung cancer. This Phase 1 first-in-human clinical trial is a study evaluating the safety and efficacy of MVT-1075 in approximately 22 patients with CA19-9 positive malignancies in the U.S. The primary objective is to determine the maximum tolerated dose and safety profile in patients with recurring disease who have failed prior therapies. Secondary endpoints are to evaluate tumor response rate and duration of response by RECIST 1.1, and to determine dosimetry and pharmacokinetics. The company plans to report interim results from this study early in 1Q18 and continue the dose escalation phase of the program.

07:27 EDT Facebook Messenger head David Marcus to join Coinbase's board - Brian Armstrong, the co-founder and CEO at Coinbase, said in a blog post that David Marcus, head of Messenger at Facebook (FB), will be joining Coinbase's board. "David brings first hand knowledge of building impactful, trusted mobile-first products at scale. His experience will add breadth and depth to the Coinbase board and will help the leadership team as the company focuses on becoming the most popular, and safest place to buy and sell digital currencies." Prior to Messenger, Marcus was President of PayPal (PYPL). Reference Link

07:08 EDT Iovance Biotherapeutics expands pipeline of TIL therapies into lung cancer - Iovance Biotherapeutics (IOVA) announced that patient enrollment has begun in a study combining TIL and nivolumab in advanced non-small cell lung cancer, or NSCLC, patients in collaboration with researchers at H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute (Moffitt), Stand Up to Cancer and other partners. The company also announced that a Phase 2 study in PD-1/PDL-1 naive NSCLC patients, sponsored by Iovance, in collaboration with MedImmune, the global biologics research and development arm of AstraZeneca (AZN), will initiate in the first half of 2018. The study with MedImmune will allow for enrollment of NSCLC patients for treatment with LN-145 alone or in combination with durvalumab.

07:06 EDT Sensata sees 4-6% organic revenue growth in FY18-FY20 - In its Investor Day slides released yesterday, Sensata outlook sees Adjusted EBIT margin expansion of 250bps, adjusted organic EPS growth of 10%-13%, and organic revenue growth of 4-6%.

07:06 EDT G. Willi-Food names Michael Luboschitz as new CEO - G. Willi-Food announced that the company's Board of Directors approved the appointment of Michael Luboschitz as its new CEO, effective as of January 1, 2018. Luboschitz served since January 2012 as the VP Commerce & Sales of S.Schestowitz Ltd., an Israeli company which represents, imports, markets and distributes international and local brands in consumer goods and cosmetics.

07:05 EDT Spectrum to present FOLOTYN data at ASH annual meeting - Spectrum Pharmaceuticals announced two oral presentations of data on FOLOTYN and research progress for the treatment of Peripheral T-Cell Lymphoma at the 59th American Society of Hematology. Abstract #818: Pralatrexate in Combination with Cyclophosphamide, Doxorubicin, Vincristine, and Prednisone in Previously Untreated Patients with Peripheral T-Cell Lymphoma: A Phase 1 Dose-Escalation Study:In this study, a total of 31 patients have been enrolled. MTD was not reached and pralatrexate dose of 30 mg/m2 in combination with CHOP was selected for Part 2 of the study as predefined by the protocol. The majority of patients were male, white, with the median age of 57.7 years at the time of enrollment. PTCL diagnoses included: anaplastic large cell lymphoma, anaplastic lymphomakinase-negative, peripheral T-cell lymphoma, not-otherwise specified, and angioimmunoblastic T-cell lymphoma. Fol-CHOP was generally well tolerated with median RDI of 98%. Grade 3/4 adverse events included anemia, neutropenia, fatigue, and vomiting, as well as febrile neutropenia, nausea, and mucositis each in 10% of the patients. SAEs were observed in 13 patients, treatment related SAEs were anemia, febrile neutropenia, dehydration, mucositis, and nausea. Six patients withdrew from study before the completion of the follow-up, and dose reduction or dose delay occurred in four patients. In the 29 patients evaluable for response, the investigator assessed objective response and complete response rates were 90% and 66%, respectively. Abstract #342: The Role of Upfront Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation in Peripheral T-Cell Lymphoma Patients in Complete Remission with a Special Focus on Nodal PTCL: Report from the Comprehensive Oncology Measures for Peripheral T-Cell Lymphoma Treatment, a Prospective Multicenter Cohort Study In this study, a total of 499 PTCL patients were enrolled in COMPLETE over 4 years. Two hundred thirteen patients achieved a CR following frontline therapy and had the required locked records for the analysis with a median follow-up of 2.9 years. One hundred forty nine of these received induction therapy without HSCT consolidation and 64 underwent either autologous or allogeneic HSCT. This is the first report from the largest prospective PTCL database in the U.S. to date to examine the role of HSCT in PTCL patients who are in first CR. Our data demonstrate potential survival advantages of upfront HSCT in patients with nodal PTCL who achieve CR. However, the results should be interpreted with caution given a relatively short median follow up as well as the non-randomized study design.

07:01 EDT Concert Pharmaceuticals to be added to Nasdaq Biotechnology Index - Concert Pharmaceuticals (CNCE) announced that it has been selected for addition to the NASDAQ Biotechnology Index (NBI) effective prior to the market open on Monday, December 18, 2017. The NASDAQ Biotechnology Index is designed to track the performance of a set of NASDAQ-listed securities that are classified as either biotechnology or pharmaceutical according to the Industry Classification Benchmark. The NASDAQ Biotechnology Index is re-ranked annually.

06:54 EDT Digital Power responds to inquirires and rumors - Digital Power stated that it "(...) has been made aware of numerous unfounded and unsubstantiated inquiries and rumors but cannot address each and every one of them. However, Digital Power reminds all shareholders, investors and the public that its many years of manufacturing quality products, cultivation and retention of long-term clients and leading innovation should speak for itself as the company continues to pursue new endeavors while expanding current revenue streams for the benefit of all interested parties. To maintain the maximum transparency with shareholders, investors and the public, the company intends to use its best efforts to provide complete and contemporaneous disclosure of its operations".

06:50 EDT Eli Lilly sees at least 5% average annual revenue growth from 2015-2020 - In addition, the company expects operating margin as a percent of revenue to be at least 30% in 2020, excluding the effect of foreign exchange on international inventories sold. In 2018, the company is expecting continued pipeline progress, including U.S. regulatory action for baricitinib for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, galcanezumab for the treatment of migraine and a new indication for Verzenio in breast cancer, as well as the launch of a new indication for Taltz in psoriatic arthritis.

06:39 EDT BioLife Solutions executes supply agreement with Iovance Biotherapeutics - BioLife Solutions (BLFS) announced that it has executed an agreement to supply its CryoStor cell freeze media and HypoThermosol cell storage and shipping media to Iovance Biotherapeutics (IOVA). Iovance is currently conducting several clinical trials for tumor infiltrating lymphocyte therapies targeting multiple solid tumor types including metastatic melanoma, recurrent and/or metastatic squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck and recurrent, metastatic or persistent cervical cancer.

06:37 EDT Rice Midstream sees 2018 CapEx $260M - RMP investments in organic projects are expected to total approximately $260M in 2018; including $215M for gathering and compression and $45M for water infrastructure. Estimated maintenance capital expenditures are $22M.

06:35 EDT EQT Corporation sees 2018 production 1,520-1,560 Bcfe - EQT Corporation sees 2018 CAPEX $2.4B, which includes $2.2B for well development and $150M for acreage fill-ins and bolt-on leasing. Based on current pricing and synergy capture, the 2018 drilling program is expected to be fully funded through adjusted operating cash flow attributable to EQT. EQT forecasts 2018 production sales volume of 1,520-1,560 Bcfe. The 2018 drilling program anticipates a 15% increase in production sales volume in 2019. It is anticipated that the 2019 development plan will be funded entirely by the cash flow provided by EQT Production. In 2018, the company plans to drill 139 Marcellus wells with an average lateral length of 11,800 feet. The program will focus on the company's core Marcellus acreage, which is targeting 111 wells in Pennsylvania and 28 wells in West Virginia. During the year, the company plans to turn-in-line 160 -170 Marcellus wells. The company plans to drill 38 gross Ohio Utica wells with an average lateral length of 11,300 feet. The company plans to TIL 40 - 50 gross wells during the year. The company plans to drill 19 Upper Devonian wells. These wells will be limited to co-development on Marcellus pads in Pennsylvania. The company plans to TIL 20 - 25 wells during the year. The company turned in line the longest lateral completed to date by any operator in the Marcellus. The Haywood H18 well in Washington County, PA will develop 42 Bcfe of reserves.

06:31 EDT Genesee & Wyoming reports November traffic of 271,912 carloads, up 8.5% y/y - G&W's traffic in November 2017 was 271,912 carloads, an increase of 21,249 carloads, or 8.5%, compared with November 2016. G&W's same-railroad traffic in November 2017 was 243,609 carloads, a decrease of 7,054 carloads, or 2.8%, compared with November 2016. G&W's traffic in the fourth quarter of 2017 through November was 547,229 carloads, an increase of 51,222 carloads, or 10.3%, compared with the fourth quarter of 2016 through November. G&W's same-railroad traffic in the fourth quarter of 2017 through November was 486,116 carloads, a decrease of 9,891 carloads, or 2.0%, compared with the fourth quarter of 2016 through November.

06:15 EDT Toyota, Panasonic to start feasibility study of development of EV batteries - Toyota Motor (TM) and Panasonic Corporation (PCRFY) announce an agreement to begin studying the feasibility of a joint automotive prismatic battery business. This agreement between the two companies aims to help find solutions to pressing societal issues such as global warming, air pollution, the depletion of natural resources and energy security. Furthermore, this agreement is intended to address growing demand and expectations for electrified vehicles. In order to realize these objectives, Toyota and Panasonic target further advancements in automotive batteries, which are crucial technologies in electrified vehicles. Both companies will consider details of the collaboration with the aim of achieving the best automotive prismatic battery in the industry and, ultimately, contributing to the popularization of Toyota's and other automakers' electrified vehicles.

06:13 EDT Teva announces resignation of former interim CEO Yitzhak Peterburg from board - In a regulatory filing, Teva said that on December 12, Dr. Yitzhak Peterburg, a member of the Board of Directors of Teva Pharmaceutical Industries, and the former Interim President and CEO announced his resignation from the Board, effective immediately. Dr. Peterburg's decision to resign is solely for personal reasons and does not involve any disagreement with the company. The company thanks Dr. Peterburg for his years of dedicated service and wishes him well in his future endeavors.

06:03 EDT Google launches AI center in Beijing, China - Fei-Fei Li, Chief Scientist AI/ML, Google Cloud, said in a blog post, "I am excited to launch the Google AI China Center, our first such center in Asia, at our Google Developer Days event in Shanghai today. This Center joins other AI research groups we have all over the world, including in New York, Toronto, London and Zurich, all contributing towards the same goal of finding ways to make AI work better for everyone. Focused on basic AI research, the Center will consist of a team of AI researchers in Beijing, supported by Google China's strong engineering teams. We've already hired some top experts, and will be working to build the team in the months ahead (check our jobs site for open roles!). Along with Dr. Jia Li, Head of Research and Development at Google Cloud AI, I'll be leading and coordinating the research. Besides publishing its own work, the Google AI China Center will also support the AI research community by funding and sponsoring AI conferences and workshops, and working closely with the vibrant Chinese AI research community." Reference Link

05:32 EDT B.O.S. Better Online enters distribution agreement with Hangzhou Hikvision - B.O.S. Better Online Solutions announced that its Supply Chain Division has entered into an agreement for distribution in Israel of machine vision products manufactured by Hangzhou Hikvision Technology.

05:28 EDT Shire receives MAA in EU for Oncaspar - Shire announced that the European Commission, or EC, granted Marketing Authorization for lyophilized Oncaspar, as a component of antineoplastic combination therapy in acute lymphoblastic leukemia, or ALL, in pediatric patients from birth to 18 years, and in adult patients. The approval - which authorizes Shire to market lyophilized Oncaspar in the 28 member states of the European Union, or EU, as well as Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway - follows a positive opinion adopted by the Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use, or CHMP, of the European Medicines Agency, or EMA, on October 12.