Stockwinners Market Radar for December 19, 2017 - Earnings, Upgrades downgrades, option trades, Best Stock Advisory Service

18:40 EDT Ener-Core approves next phase of strategic plan, begins CEO transition - Ener-Core has approved the next phase of its strategic revenue plan: the expansion of license agreements for Ener-Core's technologies and an increased emphasis on project development and management, including a build/own/operate model aiming to take advantage of favorable off-take agreements. Consistent with the strategic plan, pursuant to a negotiated separation agreement, CEO Alain Castro will be leaving his positions as Director and CEO during the next six months. He has served as CEO and a Director since joining the company in 2013.

17:49 EDT Fortress enters into purchase agreement for NeuLion assets - NeuLion, a technology product and service provider that specializes in the digital video broadcasting, distribution and monetization of live and on-demand content to Internet-enabled devices, entered into an agreement to sell certain DivX assets, intellectual property and subsidiaries to an affiliate of Fortress Investment Group. The company will sell to Fortress certain DivX assets, intellectual property and subsidiaries that are not core to NeuLion's focus on the over-the-top market. NeuLion expects that the transaction will provide it with lower operating costs and provide capital that the company can leverage as it expands its presence in the global OTT arena. Pursuant to the Purchase Agreement, NeuLion will sell certain DivX assets, intellectual property and subsidiaries to Fortress for cash consideration of $41.5M, subject to adjustment as specified in the Purchase Agreement. These assets accounted for approximately $15.0M and $20.7M of the company's consolidated GAAP revenues for the nine months ended September 30 and the year ended December 31, 2016, respectively. NeuLion also expects to significantly reduce employee headcount across various departments of the company that have been assigned to DivX. The transactions are expected to close during Q1 2018.

17:46 EDT BNY Mellon 'pleased' with FDIC feedback on 2017 Title 1 resolution plan - BNY Mellon received feedback on its 2017 resolution plan from the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation and the Federal Reserve acknowledging the important steps the company has taken to enhance its resolvability and facilitate its orderly resolution in bankruptcy. The agencies noted significant progress in BNY Mellon's resolution planning and jointly decided that the 2017 plan satisfactorily addressed shortcomings previously identified. The agencies found no deficiencies or shortcomings in BNY Mellon's 2017 plan. On the decision, BNY Mellon released the following statement: "We are pleased with the regulators' feedback, which validates the enormous efforts we have made to enhance our resolvability. As we move forward, we will continue to maintain our strategic focus on resolvability and resiliency," the company said.

17:42 EDT TransCanada motions to append pipeline denied by Nebraska - In a release from the Nebraska Public Service Commission, the commission announced it has denied all motions brought by TransCanada by a unanimous vote of 5-0. Reference Link

17:34 EDT On The Fly: After Hours Movers - UP AFTER EARNINGS: Micron (MU), up 4.6%... FedEx (FDX), up 1.4%. ALSO HIGHER: Ionis Pharmaceuticals (IONS), up 2.1% after it and Biogen (BIIB) entered into a new collaboration to identify therapies for the treatment of spinal muscular atrophy. DOWN AFTER EARNINGS: Stitch Fix (SFIX), down 11.2%... Steelcase (SCS), down 7.7%... REV Group (REVG), down 7.3%... Red Hat (RHT), down 4.1%. ALSO LOWER: Catalyst Biosciences (CBIO), down 10.6% after it announced a common stock offering... TherapeuticsMD (TXMD), down 4.7% after the FDA accepted the new drug application for TX-004HR.

17:30 EDT U.S. District Court rules in favor of Manitowoc in misappropriation suit - The Manitowoc Company announced that on December 11, 2017, the Honorable William Griesbach of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Wisconsin ruled in its favor in its trade secrets misappropriation lawsuit against Sany Heavy Industries and Sany America regarding Manitowoc's Variable Position counterweight technology. Judge Griesbach ruled on Summary Judgment that Sany was liable for trade secret misappropriation under Wisconsin Law. His ruling was based upon previous findings by the International Trade Commission and the Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit. As a result of this decision, Sany is both precluded from challenging the protectability of Manitowoc's trade secrets and is liable for trade secret misappropriation under Wisconsin state law. The case is scheduled for trial in 2019.

17:28 EDT First Solar to power Zorlu Enerji's 100MW solar power plant in Pakistan - First Solar announced that it is supplying over 860,000 high-performance thin film modules to power a 100 megawatt AC utility-scale photovoltaic solar power plant developed by Zorlu Enerji in Pakistan. The Independent Power Producer facility, part of the Quaid-e-Azam Solar Park in the country's Punjab province, is expected to be completed and connected to the electricity grid by the first half of 2018. When completed, the plant will increase Zorlu Enerji's installed capacity in the country to 156.4MW, a portfolio that includes a 56.4MW wind farm completed in 2013. The facility will generate an estimated 180 million kilowatt-hours of electricity per year - sufficient to power approximately 140,000 average homes - for Pakistan's Central Power Purchasing Agency, under a 25-year Power Purchase Agreement. In February this year, First Solar and Zorlu Holding signed a collaborative sales agreement under which Zorlu Solar became a major distributor of First Solar's modules in Turkey, Afghanistan, Albania, Bosnia, Bulgaria, Cyprus, Georgia, Kosovo, Macedonia, Pakistan, Romania, Serbia, Turkmenistan, the Ukraine, and the Commonwealth of Independent States. In addition to selling PV modules in these markets, Zorlu Solar is undertaking its own project development activity, powering its successful projects with First Solar technology.

17:23 EDT FedEx says TNT Express ops back to normal

17:19 EDT FedEx sees U.S. GDP growth 2.5% in 2018 - Sees Global GDP growth 3% this year and in 2018.

17:06 EDT Foundation Medicine COO Kafka intends to resign - According to a regulatory filing, on December 19, 2017, Foundation Medicine president and COO Steven Kafka notified the company's board of directors of his intention to resign from such positions effective as of the close of business on February 16, 2018. On December 19, 2017, the board appointed Troy Cox, the company's CEO, to the additional position of President, effective as of the Effective Date. In addition, on December 19, 2017, the board appointed Konstantin Fiedler, the company's Senior Vice President, International Markets, to the new position of COO, effective as of the Effective Date. As Chief Operating Officer, Fiedler, who joined the company in 2016, intends to relocate to the Cambridge, Massachusetts area and will assume responsibility for the company's global laboratory operations and several associated business functions.

16:53 EDT Omega Protein Corporation acquired by Cooke Inc. for $22 per share - Cooke Inc. completed its acquisition of Omega Protein Corporation. Under terms of the transaction, Cooke has acquired all outstanding shares of Omega Protein for $22 per share in cash, or a total value of approximately $500M. BAP is the world's only aquaculture certification program that covers the entire production chain. Omega Protein is on track to be approved by the Marine Stewardship Council.

16:41 EDT Huntsman names Peter Huntsman chairman of the board - Huntsman Corporation announced that Peter Huntsman, president and CEO, has been elected chairman of the board of directors of the company, an additional role he will assume as of January 1, 2018. The company's founder, Jon M. Huntsman, will be stepping down as Executive Chairman on December 31, 2017 and the role of Executive Chairman will be eliminated. After serving as Executive Chairman of the company he founded 48 years ago, Huntsman will continue to serve on the board of directors as a director and Chairman Emeritus.

16:39 EDT BRT Apartments acquires two multi-family properties for $30.4M - BRT Apartments recently acquired, two multi-family properties for a total purchase price of $30.4M. On December 7, 2017, BRT, through a joint venture in which it has an 80% equity interest, purchased a 204 unit, multi-family property located in Madison, Alabama, for $18.4M, including a $15M, 4.08%, 10-year, fixed rate mortgage. The property, Magnolia Pointe at Madison, was built in 1991, and features large units with up to 4 bedrooms. Magnolia Pointe is the second property owned by BRT in this area with this same joint venture partner. BRT, through a joint venture in which it has an 80% equity interest, acquired The Woodland Apartments, a 120 unit multi-family property located in Boerne, Texas, a suburb of San Antonio, and the adjacent 3.6-acre land parcel which allows the opportunity of adding an additional 68 units. The purchase price was $12M, including a $9.2M, 10-year floating rate loan with an interest rate of one month LIBOR plus 239 bps. As a result of this purchase, BRT and this joint venture partner together own 504 units in Texas.

16:37 EDT AT&T backs plan to invest $1B in U.S. in 2018 if tax bill signed into law - In recognition of today's vote by the U.S. House of Representatives to pass tax legislation, AT&T reiterates its plan to invest an additional $1B in the United States in 2018 if the bill is signed into law. "We thank Speaker Ryan and Chairman Brady for their leadership to enact meaningful tax reform that brings the U.S. corporate tax rate in line with the rest of the industrialized world," said Randall Stephenson, AT&T chairman and CEO. "This bill will spur much-needed investment and economic growth in the United States."

16:33 EDT Alliant Energy to invest $1.8B in Iowa wind farm - Alliant Energy's Iowa energy company will add more clean energy with the acquisition of the English Farms Wind Farm. The company finalized an agreement with developer Tradewind Energy for the 170-megawatt project, located in Poweshiek County in central Iowa. Alliant Energy will build and own English Farms Wind Farm, with major construction starting in 2018. This is one of several wind farms the company is building to deliver cost-competitive, clean energy to customers. This overall wind expansion represents a roughly $1.8 billion investment and adds up to 1,000 megawatts of new wind generation in Iowa. Together, that's enough to power up to 430,000 Iowa homes a year.

16:32 EDT TechnipFMC awarded integrated EPCI contract in the Norwegian Sea - TechnipFMC has been awarded an integrated Engineering, Procurement, Construction and Installation contract from VNG Norge AS. The contract covers the provision of subsea equipment including umbilicals, risers, flowlines and the subsea production system for the Fenja Project. Fenja is located in the Norwegian Sea and will be tied back to the Njord platform.

16:30 EDT TriNet announces dismissal of securities class action - TriNet announced that the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California has dismissed the putative securities class action against TriNet and all other defendants. The Court granted the defendants' motion to dismiss the amended complaint, originally filed by the plaintiff on August 7, 2015, without leave to amend. The plaintiff will have until January 17, 2018 to file a notice of appeal to the decision.

16:28 EDT Broadridge to acquire Morningstar's 15c board consulting services unit - Broadridge Financial Solutions (BR) has agreed to acquire Morningstar, Inc.'s (MORN) 15c board consulting services business. The acquisition will strengthen Broadridge's ability to be the most complete source for independent, verifiable data that mutual fund boards of directors rely on to fulfill their governance responsibilities. Terms of the transaction, which is expected to close in January 2018 and is subject to the satisfaction of customary closing conditions, were not disclosed.

16:23 EDT Preferred Apartment acquires student housing community in Waco, Texas - Preferred Apartment Communities announced that on December 18 it converted a portion of the outstanding principal and accrued interest balances of its real estate loan investment along with an additional equity investment to add a 250-unit, 840-bed student housing community to an existing joint venture. Completed in 2016, this student housing community is located less than a mile from Baylor University in Waco, Texas and is named Preferred Campus Communities Waco, formerly called Haven South. The joint venture also owns Stadium Village, a 198-unit, 792-bed student housing community located near Kennesaw State University in the Atlanta, Georgia MSA. PAC owns a 99.0% equity ownership interest in the joint venture through its indirect, wholly-owned subsidiary Preferred Campus Communities, LLC.

16:13 EDT Five Prime and Zai Lab sign exclusive license agreement in Greater China - Five Prime (FPRX) and Zai Lab (ZLAB) announced an exclusive license agreement for FPA144 in Greater China and global strategic development collaboration. Five Prime's FPA144 is a monoclonal antibody in clinical development as a targeted immuno-therapy for tumors that overexpress FGFR2b, including gastric and gastro-esophageal junction cancer. The randomized, controlled Phase 3 portion of the FIGHT trial evaluating FPA144 plus chemotherapy is expected to start in the second half of 2018 and would serve as a global registrational study for the treatment of front-line gastric and gastro-esophageal junction cancers. Zai Lab will manage the Phase 3 portion of the trial in China. Under the terms of the agreement, Five Prime has granted Zai Lab an exclusive license to develop and commercialize FPA144 in the Greater China territory: China, Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan. Zai Lab will be responsible for conducting the Phase 3 FIGHT trial in Greater China, including screening, enrollment and treatment of patients, and for commercialization of FPA144 in the Greater China territory. Five Prime will manufacture and supply FPA144 for the study. Five Prime will receive a $5M upfront payment and is eligible to receive up to $39M in development and regulatory milestone payments. Zai Lab is also eligible to receive a low single-digit royalty from Five Prime on net sales of FPA144 outside of Greater China.

16:09 EDT BioMarin doses first patient in global GENEr8-1 Phase 3 study in hemophilia - BioMarin has dosed the first patient in the global GENEr8-1 Phase 3 study with the 6e13 vg/kg dose for valoctocogene roxaparvovec, an investigational gene therapy for the treatment of patients with severe hemophilia A. This is the first of two Phase 3 studies in the global Phase 3 program to dose a first patient. The global Phase 3 program includes two studies with valoctocogene roxaparvovec. Both Phase 3 GENEr8 studies will be open-label single-arm studies to evaluate the efficacy and safety of valoctocogene roxaparvovec. GENEr8-2 will enroll the first patient at the start of 2018. The primary endpoint in both studies will be based on the FVIII activity level achieved following valoctocogene roxaparvovec, and the secondary endpoints will measure annualized FVIII replacement therapy use rate and annualized bleed rate. BioMarin will also begin a Phase 1/2 Study with the 6e13kg/vg dose. The first patient is expected to enroll in the first half of 2018.The U.S. Food and Drug Administration granted valoctocogene roxaparvovec Breakthrough Therapy Designation. The European Medicines Agency has granted access to its Priority Medicines (PRIME) regulatory initiative for valoctocogene roxaparvovec. BioMarin's valoctocogene roxaparvovec has also received orphan drug designation from the FDA and EMA for the treatment of severe hemophilia A.

16:07 EDT Biogen, Ionis enter collaboration to identify novel therapies for SMA treatment - Biogen (BIIB) and Ionis Pharmaceuticals (IONS) announced that they have entered into a new collaboration agreement to identify new antisense oligonucleotide drug candidates for the treatment of spinal muscular atrophy. Biogen will have the option to license therapies arising out of this collaboration and will be responsible for their development and commercialization. Under the new collaboration agreement, Ionis will receive a $25M upfront payment and will earn development and regulatory milestone payments from Biogen if new drugs advance towards marketing approval. Upon commercialization, Biogen will pay Ionis performance milestones and tiered royalties on net sales.

16:06 EDT LPL Financial reports November total new assets $1.3B - Total brokerage and advisory assets served at the end of November were approximately $575 billion, a 1.5 percent increase compared to the end of October 2017. Total net new assets for November were $1.3 billion. Total client cash sweep balances at the end of November were $27.7 billion, flat compared to October 2017.

16:02 EDT Gabelli reports 9.93% stake in MGC Diagnostics - Gabelli & Co., which reported a 9.93% activist stake in MGC Diagnostics, said that the firm does not intend to seek control of the company or participate in the management of the company.

15:44 EDT Four Corners Property Trust acquires two Burger King properties for $3.3M - Four Corners Property Trust (FCPT) announced the acquisition of two Burger King (QSR) restaurant properties leased to Cambridge Franchise Holdings for $3.3M. The properties are located in Mississippi, and are occupied under two new and separate triple-net leases with 20 years of term remaining and a rent escalation of 1.5% annually. This is FCPT's fourth transaction with Cambridge, a franchisee with over 120 Burger King restaurants. The transaction was priced at a similar going-in cash cap rate as previously announced transactions.

15:09 EDT Spark Therapeutics' Luxturna approved by FDA - Spark Therapeutics announced that the FDA has approved Luxturna, a one-time gene therapy product indicated for the treatment of patients with confirmed biallelic RPE65 mutation-associated retinal dystrophy. Luxturna should only be administered to patients with mutations on both copies of the RPE65 gene who have sufficient viable retinal cells as determined by their treating physicians. Luxturna is the first FDA-approved gene therapy for a genetic disease, the first and only pharmacologic treatment for an inherited retinal disease and the first adeno-associated virus vector gene therapy approved in the U.S.

14:56 EDT Exelixis announces expanded FDA approval of Cabometyx for patients with RCC - Exelixis announced that the FDA approved Cabometyx tablets for the expanded indication of patients with advanced renal cell carcinoma, or RCC. RCC is the most common form of kidney cancer in adults. The FDA's priority review and approval of Cabometyx was based on results from the randomized phase 2 CABOSUN trial in patients with previously untreated RCC, which demonstrated a statistically significant and clinically meaningful improvement in progression-free survival versus sunitinib, a current standard of care. The label expansion follows the initial FDA approval of Cabometyx in April 2016 for the treatment of patients with advanced RCC who have previously received anti-angiogenic therapy.

13:51 EDT DOJ confirms settlement with Envision's EmCare subsidiary - The Justice Department announced settlements with two physician groups, EmCare Inc. and Physician's Alliance Ltd, for allegedly receiving illegal remuneration in exchange for patient referrals to hospitals owned by the now-defunct Health Management Associates. Under the settlement with EmCare, the physician group will pay $29.6M to resolve allegations that, from 2008 through 2012, EmCare received remuneration from HMA to recommend patients be admitted to HMA hospitals on an inpatient basis when the patients should have been treated on an outpatient basis. In a separate settlement, PAL, headquartered in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, and three of its executives, Lee Meyers, Michael Warren, M.D. and Wallace Longton, M.D., agreed to resolve allegations that, from 2009 until 2012, PAL accepted illegal remuneration from HMA to refer patients to two HMA hospitals, Lancaster Regional Medical Center and Heart of Lancaster Medical Center. Under the settlement, PAL and its executives will pay $4M plus a percentage of proceeds from the sale of PAL's interest in a joint venture with HMA. Envision Healthcare (EVHC) has also entered into a Corporate Integrity Agreement with the Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General as part of the resolution of the EmCare matter. EmCare is a subsidiary of Envision.

13:31 EDT Papa John's to expand in Bahamas - Papa John's continues its expansion internationally with the signing of a development agreement for the Bahamas. PPJ Bahamas signed a development agreement to open five restaurants over the next 36 months in the Bahamas with the first store scheduled to open in Nassau mid-2018.

12:32 EDT Rogers Media, CBC sign new seven-year sub-licensing agreement - Rogers Media and CBC have signed a new seven-year sub-licensing agreement for English-language broadcasts of Hockey Night in Canada and the Stanley Cup playoffs, beginning with the 2019-20 season. The new deal, which follows a previous four-year sub-licensing deal and one-year extension, runs through the end of the 2025-26 season which is when Rogers's historic 12-year national broadcast rights deal with the NHL is due to expire. The agreement ensures that Hockey Night in Canada broadcasts continue to reach the maximum number of Canadians every Saturday night on CBC, Sportsnet, and City. In addition, Hockey Night in Canada games are also available on the CBC Sports app, the CBC TV app, CBCSports.ca, Rogers NHL LIVE and Sportsnet NOW.

11:57 EDT Dominion Cove Point LNG continues commissioning work - Dominion Energy is continuing with final commissioning work at its Cove Point LNG export facility in Lusby, MD, and looks forward to commercial operations early next year under the terms of previously negotiated 20-year contracts with ST Cove Point, which is the joint venture of Sumitomo Corporation and Tokyo Gas, and for GGULL, the U.S. affiliate of GAIL LTD. All major equipment has been operated and is being commissioned following a comprehensive round of thorough testing and quality assurance activities. DECP's liquefaction facility has a nameplate capacity of 5.25 mtpa of liquefied natural gas.

11:22 EDT United Technologies pays $1.06M to resolve False Claims Act violations - John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that United Technologie has entered into a civil settlement agreement with the federal government and paid $1.06M o resolve federal False Claims Act violations involving Goodrich Pump and Engine Controls Systems, a company UTC indirectly owned from July 2012 through March 2013. Reference Link

11:10 EDT Trilogy Metals announces new large shareholder, CEO increases position - Trilogy Metals announces that a wholly-owned subsidiary of South32 Limited has become a new significant shareholder of the company owning approximately 6.5M shares of the company or approximately 6% of the outstanding common shares. Rick Van Nieuwenhuyse, the company's CEO has also increased his shareholdings of Trilogy Metals by approximately 1.7M shares, owning approximately 2.8M common shares of the company or approximately 2.6%. South32 and Van Nieuwenhuyse have purchased shares from a previous shareholder. Concurrently, Trilogy Metals has given South32 participation rights in future financings to participate at a minimum of 20% to a maximum of 40% in future financings, private or public, to a maximum ownership of 19.9% in the company. This right expires if South32 does not participate for the lesser of 20%, or that number of shares that would not put them past a 19.9% ownership interest in the company, in any particular financing.

11:08 EDT Novocure says final analysis of Phase 3 Optune trial published in JAMA - Novocure announced that the final analysis of its Phase 3 pivotal trial of Optune in combination with temozolomide for the treatment of newly diagnosed glioblastoma has been published in the Journal of the American Medical Association. The final analysis proved that overall survival and progression free survival were each significantly extended by 37% for patients who received Optune plus temozolomide compared to patients who received temozolomide alone, the company said. It added, "The analysis demonstrated a greater than one in eight chance of five-year survival for patients with newly diagnosed GBM treated with the Optune and temozolomide. The statistically significant benefit of Optune with temozolomide on overall survival was seen in all pre-specified patient subgroups, regardless of prognostic factors such as age, performance status, MGMT promotor methylation and extent of resection."

11:01 EDT Avis Budget named exclusive car rental partner for Hawaiian Airlines - Avis Budget Group (CAR) announced that it is now the exclusive car rental partner of Hawaiian Airlines (HA), Hawaii's largest and longest-serving airline. Under the multi-year agreement, Avis Budget Group will promote its Avis Car Rental, Budget Car Rental and Payless Car Rental brands, products and services as well as value-added offers directly to Hawaiian Airlines' guests and members of HawaiianMiles, the carrier's frequent flyer travel rewards program.

10:39 EDT FDA approves Spark Therapeutics gene therapy Luxturna

10:36 EDT Trilogy Metals trading halted, news pending

10:31 EDT Carnival sees FY18 CapEx $4.4B

10:28 EDT Carnival says saw strength in on-board yields

10:20 EDT DNA Dynamics subsidiary to acquire Bitcoin ATM patent - DNA Dynamics announced that its UK Subsidiary, DNA Interactive Limited, has signed a Binding Term Sheet to acquire a patent that requires any Bitcoin ATM operator to give a royalty on every Bitcoin ATM transaction throughout the U.S. DNA reports that the 'Bitcoin ATM' is relatively new and has seen the number of units grow from 500 just over a year ago to nearly three times that number today.

10:13 EDT Carnival says expects FY18 capacity growth of 1.9% - Sees 5% annual capacity growth through 2022. Say has accelerated efforts on cost containment. Expects another $80M in savings in 2018. Comments from Q4 earnings conference call.

10:09 EDT Agco falls 3% after 2018 earnings outlook misses estimatesDeere - Shares of Agco (AGCO) are down 3% to $72.72 after its earnings outlook for 2018 missed consensus expectations. Shares of Deere (DE) are down 68c to $153.34. Agco is hosting its analyst meeting today.

10:01 EDT Live Nation acquires interest in Bank of New Hampshire Pavilion - Live Nation Entertainment said it has acquired an interest in the Bank of New Hampshire Pavilion in Gilford, NH. The executive team currently in place at the Pavilion, led by president Robert "R.J." Harding and his wife Bridget, will continue to run day-to-day operations and will work with Ticketmaster to integrate its primary ticketing services.

09:53 EDT Hasbro introduces Trivial Pursuit Tap, among first games to use Echo buttons - Hasbro (HAS) said "Gamers can test their trivia skills like never before with the launch of Trivial Pursuit Tap, an interactive game that brings together Amazon Alexa (AMZN) and Hasbro, Inc.'s iconic and popular trivia game." Trivial Pursuit is the first major board game to be adapted for Alexa with Echo Button capabilities. Initially, Trivial Pursuit Tap will launch in the U.S., UK and Germany. Amazon Echo buttons will be available as 2-packs for $19.99; up to 4 buttons can be connected to a compatible Echo device.

09:48 EDT SEC suspends trading in Crypto Company over concerns, insider sales - The Securities and Exchange Commission suspended trading today in shares of Crypto Company. The agency said in an order, "It appears to the Securities and Exchange Commission that the public interest and the protection of investors require a suspension of trading in the securities of The Crypto Company because of concerns regarding the accuracy and adequacy of information in the marketplace about, among other things, the compensation paid for promotion of the company, and statements in Commission filings about the plans of the company's insiders to sell their shares of The Crypto Company's common stock. Questions have also arisen concerning potentially manipulative transactions in the company's stock in November 2017." Reference Link

09:45 EDT Quorum Health reports CMS approval on 2017-2019 California hospital fee program - Quorum Health Corporation announced that on Friday, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services issued formal approval of the 2017-19 Hospital Fee Program. The approvals include the inpatient and outpatient fee-for-service supplemental payments and the overall tax structure. The California Hospital Association will work with the Department of Health Care Services to develop an implementation schedule and update the draft model to reflect the CMS-approved amounts. By the end of January, CHA will distribute hospital-specific schedules that include the estimated fees and payments for the 2017-19 Hospital Fee Program.

09:22 EDT UPS pre-orders 125 Tesla electric trucks - UPS (UPS) announced it has placed a reservation for 125 of Tesla's (TSLA) new fully-electric Semi tractors. The new tractors will join UPS's extensive alternative fuel and advanced technology vehicle fleet, comprised of trucks and tractors propelled by electricity, natural gas, propane and other non-traditional fuels. UPS's preorder of Tesla vehicles complements and advances the company's overall commitment to reduce its absolute greenhouse gas, or GHG, emissions from global ground operations 12 percent by 2025, a goal developed using a methodology approved by the Science Based Targets initiative.

09:20 EDT On The Fly: Pre-market Movers - UP AFTER EARNINGS: Navistar (NAV), up 10.1%... Worthington (WOR), up 2.6%... Meet Group (MEET), up 12.1%... Darden Restaurants (DRI), up 4.1%... Carnival Corp (CCL), up 2.3%. ALSO HIGHER: Jack in the Box (JACK), up 3.1% after agreeing to sell sell Qdoba to Apollo (APO) affiliates for $305M... Carlyle Group (CG), up 3.5% after selling Signode Industrial Group to Crown Holdings (CCK) for $3.91B. LOWER: Kindred Healthcare (KND), down 5.3% after being acquired by a consortium for $9 per share in cash... Apple (AAPL), down 1% after being downgraded to Neutral from Buy at Nomura Instinet... Marathon Patent Group (MARA), down 11.7% after announcing it raised $7.5M in a registered direct offering.

09:19 EDT Carnival: FY18 advance bookings ahead of prior year at higher prices - At this time, cumulative advance bookings for full year 2018 are ahead of the prior year at higher prices. Since November, booking volumes for 2018 have been running well ahead of the prior year at higher prices. CEO Arnold Donald commented, "Despite booking disruptions from this year's multiple hurricanes, we are still heading into 2018 with a stronger base of business and higher prices than last year. We have numerous efforts underway to keep the momentum going in 2018 and beyond, from our innovative approaches to increase consideration for cruising, including our recently announced partnership with Univision, to the further roll-out of our state-of-the-art revenue management system. In 2018 we also look forward to the delivery of four new cutting-edge ships, Carnival Horizon, Seabourn Ovation, AIDAnova, and Nieuw Statendam to further our strategic fleet enhancement program." Based on current booking trends, the company expects full year 2018 net revenue yields in constant currency to be up approximately 2.5 percent compared to the prior year. The company expects full year net cruise costs excluding fuel per ALBD in constant currency to be up approximately 1.0 percent compared to the prior year. As a result of higher fuel prices, forecasted fuel costs for the full year 2018 are expected to increase approximately $117 million compared to the prior year, net of realized fuel derivatives, reducing earnings by $0.16 per share. This is partially offset by favorable movements in currency exchange rates, which are forecasted to increase earnings by $0.08 per share. Taking the above factors into consideration, the company expects full year 2018 adjusted earnings per share to be in the range of $4.00 to $4.30, compared to 2017 adjusted earnings per share of $3.82. Donald added, "We remain on track to achieve double digit return on invested capital in 2018. We are committed to the continued distribution of cash to shareholders through increasing dividends, currently totaling $1.3 billion annually, and ongoing share repurchases, which have exceeded $3 billion since late 2015."

09:17 EDT Superior Drilling announces joint marketing development agreement with Weatherford - Superior Drilling Products (SDPI) announced that it has executed an agreement with Weatherford U.S., L.P. (WFT) to launch a joint market development program to introduce its patented Drill-N-Ream well bore conditioning tool in the Middle East. Under the development agreement, Weatherford and SDP will demonstrate the DnR's capabilities with large Middle East operators in Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and Oman. The program is planned to continue through June 30, 2018. SDP and Weatherford will each have an in country, local resident Product Champion to execute the pilot test program of 16 DnR tools. Upon the technology being proven in the region, the parties plan to enter into a long-term commercial agreement. Any rental fees generated during the market development program will be shared between the partners, and SDP will be reimbursed for costs of repair and maintenance.

09:11 EDT Crown Holdings buys Signode Industrial Group for $3.91B from Carlyle Group - Crown Holdings (CCK) announced that it has entered into an agreement to acquire Signode Industrial Group Holdings (Bermuda) Ltd., a leading global provider of transit packaging systems and solutions, from The Carlyle Group (CG), in a cash transaction valued at $3.91 billion subject to customary closing adjustments. The acquisition, which is subject to review by various competition authorities, is expected to close during the first quarter of 2018 and to significantly increase free cash flow. Debt financing has been fully committed in support of the transaction. With pro forma sales and adjusted EBITDA of $2.3 billion and $384 million, respectively, for the twelve months ended November 30, 2017, Signode is the world's leading supplier of transit packaging systems and solutions, which consist of strap, stretch and protective packaging consumables and the application equipment and tooling for each. Based in Glenview, Illinois, Signode's global footprint includes operations in 40 countries across 6 continents, with sales to customers in approximately 60 countries.

09:08 EDT SuperCom secures contract to deploy EM suite of GPS tracking in Western Kentucky - SuperCom has secured a contract to provide its PureSecurity Electronic Monitoring, or EM, suite of GPS and home detention offender tracking and monitoring solutions in Western Kentucky. The program will provide much needed private full-service EM services to courts and jails in the Western Kentucky region. In the initial deployment stage, SuperCom will work with the customer to develop rules and procedures, provide training, and assist in the environment build-out. SuperCom expects to complete initial deployment and start generating steady-state recurring revenue in Q1 2018.

09:07 EDT Philips, HomeLab partner for indoor air quality - Philips has teamed up with HomeLab to support its mission to create healthier homes. With HomeLab's Healthy Home Program, consumers can monitor their home's air vitals and get expert guidance on how to create a healthier home through the use of tools such as the Philips Air Purifier. With professional grade AeraSense technology, Philips Air Purifiers automatically monitor, react, and purify indoor air, capturing 99.97% of particle. The product's unique numerical index, corresponding color ring, and connected app, make it easy to track and control air quality in the home - alerting in real-time to even the slightest change in indoor air conditions, aiding HomeLab in their analysis.

09:05 EDT Disarm Therapeutics appoints Peter Keller as Chief Business Officer - Disarm Therapeutics announced that Peter Keller is joining the company as Chief Business Officer on January 1, 2018. Keller previously was CBO at Selecta Biosciences where he directed the company's product and business strategy leading to a $70B IPO and a more than $2B deal with Spark Therapeutics. Disarm's scientific founders identified the role of the SARM1 protein as the central driver of axonal degeneration, which causes disability and disease progression in a broad range of neurological disorders. Prior to Selecta, Keller was Vice President, Head of Mergers & Acquisitions and Alliance Management at Solvay Pharmaceuticals, where he negotiated license and acquisition agreements in various therapeutic areas such as vaccines, neurology and cardiology.

09:04 EDT CyrusOne to expand into Atlanta with new data center campus - CyrusOne announced plans for expansion into the Atlanta area to service the company's expanding customer base of hyperscale cloud providers and Fortune 1000 enterprise customers. Upon full build-out, the 44-acre campus in the Atlanta suburb of Douglasville, Georgia, will comprise three data centers, with 440,000 square feet of data center space and 50 megawatts of critical power. Construction is scheduled to being in the first quarter of 2018 with completion of the first data center planned for the summer of 2018.

09:03 EDT Travelers Europe to apply for authorization to create Dublin subsidiary - Travelers Europe announced that it will apply to the Central Bank of Ireland for authorisation of a new, wholly owned insurance subsidiary incorporated in the Republic of Ireland. Based in Dublin, this new subsidiary will enable Travelers to continue to seamlessly serve its customers and broking partners in Ireland and across Europe when the UK exits the European Union, as currently planned in March 2019. The establishment of a new subsidiary in Ireland is subject to receiving all necessary regulatory approvals and to future regulatory developments. This proposed plan will not affect Travelers' significant UK-based operations, comprising its general insurance business and Lloyd's syndicate, which will continue to operate under existing UK licences.

09:01 EDT Synergy Pharmaceuticals appoints Troy Hamilton as CEO - Synergy Pharmaceuticals announced that Troy Hamilton, Pharm.D., previously Executive Vice President, Chief Commercial Officer, has been appointed CEO, effective immediately. Gary S. Jacob, Ph.D., previously President, CEO and Chairman, has assumed the position of Executive Chairman of the Board of Directors. "One of my initial areas of focus will be to work with our CFO, Gary Gemignani, and the Synergy management team to continue to refine our business plan and focus on achieving cost efficiencies throughout the company while prioritizing investments that will drive significant TRULANCE growth," Hamilton said. "As we move into 2018, we will continue to evaluate all strategic and business development opportunities to maximize the value of TRULANCE and leverage our commercial infrastructure, remaining focused on delivering long-term value for patients, healthcare providers and our shareholders."

08:46 EDT Darden expects run-rate synergies of $22M-$27M from Cheddar's integration - Says confident in ability to deliver long-term framework over time. Says Cheddar's is "doing a great job" managing complex integration. Says integration-related activity is peaking and on track. Expects run-rate synergies of $22M-$27M no later than FY19. Says will update FY18 outlook in January in order to include impacts from tax legislation. Comments made on Q2 earnings conference call.

08:42 EDT Aspen Insurance buys 23.2% stake in Crop Re Services

08:39 EDT Magna announces realignment of management structure - Magna International announced a realignment of its management structure along product lines. The shift better aligns global operations with our long-term strategy tied to the future of mobility. With these management changes, company is also introducing new financial reporting segments beginning in 2018. The changes to reporting segments will provide investors with increased transparency, and allow for easier comparisons with our industry peers. Beginning with the Q1 of FY18, company will report Sales, Adjusted EBIT and other items based on four global, product-oriented operating segments.

08:36 EDT Zimmer Biomet names Bryan Hanson as CEO - Zimmer Biomet (ZBH) announced that Bryan Hanson has been appointed President and CEO and a member of the Board of Directors, effective December 19. Daniel Florin, who has served as Interim CEO since July 11, will continue in his role as Senior Vice President and CFO. Hanson joins Zimmer Biomet with more than 20 years of experience in the medical device industry. Most recently, he served as a member of Medtronic's (MDT) Executive Committee and as the Executive Vice President and President of Medtronic's Minimally Invasive Therapies Group.

08:35 EDT Remark Holdings announces new agreement with Bank of China - Remark Holdings announced that the early success of its first agreement to provide quality customers to Bank of China, thereby reducing loan defaults, has led to a second agreement to provide the same service for a new consumer loan product being launched by the bank. The new contract is expected to generate more than $4M of revenue for Remark during 2018, an amount that is incremental to the revenue guidance previously provided by the company.

08:33 EDT Regulus completes dosing of first cohort in Phase I study of RGLS4326 - Regulus Therapeutics announced that it has initiated the first-in-human Phase I study of RGLS4326 and completed dosing of the first cohort of healthy volunteers. RGLS4326 is in development for the treatment of autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease, or ADPKD. RGLS4326 is being studied in a Phase I randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, single ascending dose study designed to investigate the safety, tolerability, pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of RGLS4326 administered subcutaneously in healthy volunteers.

08:32 EDT EyeGate awarded new U.S. patent for delivery of corticosteroids tot he eye - EyeGate Pharmaceuticals announced that it has been granted U.S. Patent No. 9,820,935, by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. The patent, titled "Delivery of corticosteroids through iontophoresis," covers the iontophoretic delivery of a dexamethasone phosphate formulation to a subject's eye for the treatment of various conditions, including post-operative inflammation and uveitis. EyeGate's product candidate, EGP-437, is a proprietary formulation of iontophoretically delivered dexamethasone phosphate currently in a Phase 3 study in uveitis and a Phase 2b study for the treatment of pain and inflammation following cataract surgery. The Company has licensed EGP-437 in both indications to a subsidiary of Valeant Pharmaceuticals.

08:32 EDT Ventas says supports acquisition of Kindred Healthcare - Ventas (VTR) said that it supports the acquisition of Kindred Healthcare (KND) ("Kindred") by a consortium of TPG Capital, Welsh, Carson, Anderson & Stowe and Humana (HUM). Ventas has been a long-standing partner of Kindred and owns 30 long-term acute care and inpatient rehabilitation facilities operated by Kindred. Immediately following the acquisition, businesses now operated by Kindred will be separated and subsequently owned and operated as follows: Kindred's LTACs, IRFs and contract rehabilitation services businesses will be operated as a separate company owned by the Sponsors; and the home health, hospice and community care businesses will be operated as a stand-alone company owned by the Consortium. "We are delighted to support this innovative transaction. It brings together leading healthcare provider Kindred and its excellent management team with premier private equity sponsors TPG and WCAS, who have significant experience in healthcare, and Humana's focus on integrated senior care," said Debra A. Cafaro, Ventas Chairman and CEO. "This transaction demonstrates the immense interest from public and private investors in leading healthcare companies that are well-positioned to deliver outstanding, cost-effective care. The significant equity investment in Kindred underscores the attractive nature of our assets, Kindred's platform and the potential of our LTACs and IRFs. We look forward to continuing our partnership with Kindred and working with the new owners as they drive above-market growth and serve increasing numbers of medically-complex patients."

08:31 EDT Sonic acknowledges 13D filing by Southeastern Asset Management - Sonic announced that it is aware that Southeastern Asset Management has filed a Schedule 13D with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The company said, "The Board of Directors and management always appreciate hearing the views of its stockholders, look forward to continuing a constructive dialogue with Southeastern and will consider the perspectives reflected in the Schedule 13D. The company has and will continue to serve the interests of all of its stockholders."

08:24 EDT BioDelivery Sciences announces patent strengthening protection on Belbuca - BioDelivery Sciences yesterday announced that the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office has issued a Notice of Allowance of BDSI's patent application, that once formally granted, will be Orange Book listed and will extend the exclusivity of Belbuca buccal film from July 2027 to December 2032. The patent covers the method of using BioErodible MucoAdhesive for the treatment of chronic pain. "We are pleased the Patent Office has allowed this important patent covering BELBUCA. Beyond the significant growth we have seen with BELBUCA in 2017, this patent provides a substantial length of time for BELBUCA to continue to grow and become well established in the market," said CEO Mark Sirgo.

08:22 EDT Humana to buy 40% interest in Kindred's homecare business for approx. $800M - Humana (HUM) announced it has signed a definitive agreement to acquire a 40% minority interest in the Kindred at Home Division of Kindred Healthcare (KND) for estimated cash consideration of approximately $800M, including Humana's share of transaction and related expenses to facilitate a complete separation from the Long Term Acute Care and Rehabilitation businesses. The transaction and related expenses include, among other costs, bond breakage fees, the extinguishment of certain legacy liabilities, the acceleration of certain stock awards, and advisory fees and expenses. The implied enterprise value of Kindred at Home is $3.15B before these expenses. Humana will own 40 percent of Kindred at Home, with the remaining 60 percent owned by a new entity owned by TPG and WCAS. Currently, nearly 40,000 caregivers serve approximately 130,000 patients daily in Kindred at Home with annual revenues of approximately $2.5B. Humana will have no economic interest in the Specialty Hospital company. The agreement with the Sponsors includes a put option under which they have the right to require Humana to purchase their interest in the joint venture starting at the end of year three and ending at the end of year four post close. Consideration upon exercise of the put option per the agreement would be valued at an exit multiple of 10.5 times the preceding twelve months earnings before interest, income taxes, depreciation and amortization, or EBITDA, subject to certain adjustments and other provisions customary for transactions of this nature. In addition, the multiple is subject to adjustment up to 11.5 times EBITDA based on the achievement of certain pre-defined value-based outcomes tied to clinical metrics. The 11.5 times EBITDA exit multiple is comparable to the valuation for Humana's 40 percent interest. Finally, Humana has a call option under which it has the right to require the Sponsors to sell their interest in the joint venture to Humana beginning at the end of year four and ending at the end of year five post close for cash consideration using the same valuation methodology applicable to the previously discussed put option consideration. These transactions, which are anticipated to close in the summer of 2018, are subject to customary state and federal regulatory approvals, including approval by the stockholders of Kindred and the expiration of the waiting period under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvement Act of 1976, as amended, as well as other customary closing conditions. Humana expects to fund the transaction through the use of parent company cash and will account for its minority investment under the equity method. The company does not anticipate a material impact to earnings in 2017 from this pending transaction. Given that Humana's previous financial commentary for the year ending December 31, 2018 contemplated capital deployment, it is not expected that this acquisition will materially change the outlook that was provided. Humana expects the transaction to be slightly accretive to earnings per diluted common share in 2019 and beyond.

08:19 EDT Kindred CEO Benjamin Breier to serve as CEO of specialty hospital company

08:18 EDT Federated National announces withdrawal from auto business - Federated National announced that it has decided to undergo an orderly withdrawal from the private passenger automobile line of business. The company will begin the appropriate steps to withdraw from the Auto business including seeking approval from the state regulatory authorities. Due to the average policy term of the Auto business, we expect all business operations to materially cease no later than the fourth quarter of 2018, subject to regulatory filings and approvals. Additionally, the company anticipates total pre-tax exit costs to be approximately $1.0 million, which are expected to be recognized over the withdrawal period. The Auto line of business represented $12.5 million or 4.8% of our net premiums earned in 2016 and $13.6 million or 5.7% of our net premiums earned for the nine months ended September 30, 2017. These announcements are part of the company's continuing efforts to allocate resources and capital to maximize value for its shareholders.

08:16 EDT Kindred Healthcare: Transaction to result in two separate companies

08:16 EDT Kindred to be acquired by Humana, TPG, Welsh, Carson, Anderson & Stowe

08:13 EDT Ovid Therapeutics OV101 granted fast track designation by FDA - Ovid Therapeutics announced that the FDA has granted Fast Track designation to OV101 for the treatment of Angelman syndrome.

08:11 EDT Minerva screen first patient in Phase 3 clinical trial of MIN-101 - Minerva Neurosciences announced the screening of the first patient in the pivotal Phase 3 clinical trial of MIN-101 as monotherapy for negative symptoms in patients diagnosed with schizophrenia. The trial is a multicenter, randomized, double-blind, parallel-group, placebo-controlled, 12-week study to evaluate the efficacy and safety of 32 milligrams (mg) and 64 mg of MIN-101 in adult patients with negative symptoms of schizophrenia. The 12-week study will be followed by a 40-week, open-label extension period during which patients on drug will continue receiving their original dose and patients on placebo will receive either 32 mg or 64 mg of MIN-101.

08:09 EDT Morgan Stanley discloses 5.1% stake in Roku - In a regulatory filing after last night's close, Morgan Stanley disclosed that it holds a 5.1% passive stake in Roku.

08:05 EDT Lowe's appoints Vikram Singh as Chief Digital Officer - Lowe's Companies announced Vikram Singh has been named the company's senior vice president, Chief Digital Officer, effective Jan. 4, 2018. The newly created role will report to Michael P. McDermott, Chief Customer Officer, and will further accelerate Lowe's digital evolution and drive a holistic integrated strategy to make shopping more flexible, convenient and intuitive across its store, online, mobile, call center and in-home/on-site channels. Singh joins Lowe's most recently from Amazon (AMZN) and brings extensive experience across product strategy, engineering, marketing, business development, analytics, operations and user experience design. For more than 15 years, Singh has successfully managed all facets of developing and executing e-commerce strategies, in many industries, for leading organizations.

08:03 EDT Pfenex grants Jazz worlwide rights for hematology product candidates - Pfenex (PFNX) announced the amendment of the 2016 agreement under which Pfenex granted Jazz Pharmaceuticals (JAZZ) worldwide rights to develop and commercialize multiple early stage hematology product candidates. Under the amended agreement, Pfenex will be eligible to receive an additional $43.5M in amendment fee and development milestone payments as compared to the 2016 agreement, increasing the total value of upfront, option and amendment fee payments and potential payments for the achievement of development, regulatory and sales-related milestones associated with the collaboration to an aggregate of $224.5M. Pfenex will also continue to be eligible to receive tiered royalties on worldwide sales of any products resulting from the collaboration, at rates reduced from those under the 2016 agreement. Additionally, Pfenex announced today that, pursuant to the amended agreement, in the Q4 it earned $18.5M in connection with the collaboration by achieving a $13.5M development milestone and receiving a $5M payment following signing of the amended agreement. The remaining development, regulatory and sales-related milestones that could potentially be earned total $189.25M.

08:03 EDT Clovis: Rucaparib treatment indication remains under active review

08:02 EDT CPI Card Group announces 1-for-5 reverse stock split - CPI Card Group announced that it will effect a 1-for-5 reverse stock split. The reverse stock split will be effective at 12:01 a.m. EDT, on December 20. The company's common stock will begin trading on a split-adjusted basis on the Nasdaq Global Select Market and on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the Company's existing symbol "PMTS" on December 20. The reverse stock split is primarily intended to bring the Company into compliance with the minimum bid price requirement for maintaining its listing on the Nasdaq Global Select Market. The new CUSIP number for the common stock following the reverse split will be 12634H 200. When the reverse stock split becomes effective, every five shares of common stock will automatically convert into one share of common stock, with no change in par value per share. No fractional shares will be issued. In lieu of any fractional shares, any holder of less than one share of common stock will be entitled to receive cash for such holder's fractional share. The reverse stock split will reduce the number of shares of the company's common stock currently outstanding from approximately 55.7M shares to 11.1M shares. The number of authorized shares of common stock will remain unchanged. Proportional adjustments will be made to the company's outstanding stock options and equity compensation plans.

07:46 EDT Onconova announces license, collaboration agreement with HanX Biopharmaceuticals - Onconova Therapeutic announced the signing of a license and collaboration agreement with HanX Biopharmaceuticals, Inc., a company focused on development of novel oncology products, for the further development, registration and commercialization of ON 123300 in China. ON 123300 is a first-in-class dual inhibitor of CDK4/6 + ARK5, which is currently in advanced pre-clinical development. This compound has the potential to overcome the limitations of current generation CDK 4/6 inhibitors. Under the terms of the agreement, Onconova will receive an upfront payment, regulatory and commercial milestone payments, as well as royalties on Chinese sales. The key feature of the collaboration is that HanX will provide all funding required for Chinese IND enabling studies performed for Chinese Food and Drug Administration IND approval. The Companies also intend for these studies to comply with US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) standards. Accordingly, such studies may be used by Onconova for an IND filing with the FDA. Both Companies will oversee the IND enabling studies. Onconova will maintain global rights outside of China.

07:42 EDT Xcel Energy to transfer stock exchange listing to Nasdaq - Xcel Energy announced that it will voluntarily transfer its stock exchange listing from the New York Stock Exchange to the Nasdaq Global Select Market, effective December 29, 2017 after the market close. Xcel Energy shares are expected to begin trading as a Nasdaq-listed security on January 2, 2018. The company will retain its current ticker symbol "XEL".

07:33 EDT Tenet explores potential sale of Conifer - Tenet (THC) is initiating a process to explore a potential sale of Conifer. To assist in this process, Tenet has engaged Goldman Sachs (GS) as its financial advisor and Kirkland & Ellis LLP as its legal advisor. Conifer is a leading provider of healthcare business process services in the areas of hospital and physician revenue cycle management and value-based care solutions. There can be no assurance that this process will result in a transaction and Tenet may ultimately decide to retain all or part of Conifer's business. Tenet expects that a decision regarding a potential sale of Conifer should be made during the first half of 2018.

07:31 EDT Engility secures position on Alliant 2 contract - Engility Holdings secured a position on the Alliant 2 government-wide acquisition contract with the General Services Administration to provide custom information technology services. The GWAC boasts a $50B ceiling. Under the Alliant 2 GWAC, Engility will support Federal IT systems and modernization efforts by providing key offerings such as systems engineering and integration, cyber, high performance computing and enterprise solutions. The company's capabilities in high-demand areas including cybersecurity, cloud computing, artificial intelligence, big data, biometrics, Internet of Things, and virtual networking were all referenced in securing the win.

07:22 EDT Darden reports Q2 same-restaurant sales for Cheddar's Scratch Kitchen down 2% - Reports Q2 same-restaurant sales: Up 3% for Olive Garden; Up 3.8% for Longhorn Steakhouse; Up 3.8% for The Capital Grille; Up 6.8% for Eddie V's'; Up 2% for Yard House; Down 0.5% for Seasons 52; Up 2.5% for Bahama Breeze.

07:13 EDT Extraction Oil & Gas sees FY18 average net sales volumes 87.0-93.0 MBoe/d - For the full-year 2018, Extraction's drilling and completion capital expenditures are expected to range from $770M to $840M to drill between 170 and 175 gross wells with an average lateral length of 1.8 miles and an average working interest of 77%, complete between 185 and 190 gross wells with an average lateral length of 1.6 miles and an average working interest of 82%, and turn to sales between 170 and 175 gross wells with an average lateral length of 1.7 miles and an average working interest of 76%. Additionally, the company expects its land and other non-drilling and completion capital expenditures to range between $120 and $150 million and, if successful, expects to fund these amounts, in whole or in part, with the proceeds from its ongoing non-strategic asset sale process. Extraction is also currently negotiating third party financing for infrastructure related to its Broomfield and Hawkeye areas and has not included capital expenditures associated with these projects in the above guidance. This may include joint ventures or preferred equity financings at a subsidiary level that will be non-recourse to Extraction. Extraction estimates its full-year 2018 average net sales volumes to be 87.0-93.0 MBoe/d with 42.5-45.5 MBbl/d of crude oil. At the midpoint, this represents 76% total equivalent volume and 83% crude oil growth over the midpoint of the Company's 2017 guidance issued in December 2016.

07:11 EDT Manhattan Bridge Capital raises quarterly dividend to 11c per share - Manhattan Bridge Capital announced that, in accordance with the board approved dividend declared on October 23, a cash dividend of 11c per share will be paid to all shareholders of record on December 29, 2017. The dividend will be paid on January 15, 2018.

07:10 EDT Regenxbio says IND active for Phase I/II clinical trial of RGX-121 - Regenxbio announced the Investigational New Drug application, or IND, is active for the planned multi-center, open-label, multiple-cohort, dose-escalation Phase I/II clinical trial of RGX-121 for the treatment of pediatric subjects with Mucopolysaccharidosis Type II.

07:08 EDT Sierra Metals announces drilling results from the Central Mine at Yauricocha - Sierra Metals announced drilling results demonstrating new limestone replacement mineralization at the Cuye Zone extension located within the Central Mine at Yauricocha. To date, 11 holes have been executed from the 1070 level of the Yauricocha Mine in the Cuye area. These holes have intercepted polymetallic sulphide mineralization containing high-grade silver, zinc, copper and lead zones over significant widths. These results demonstrate the potential for high grade mineralization within the reported area, and more importantly indicate the continued existence of extensive mineralization at depth. These results come as part of an ongoing brownfield drilling program testing priority targets at the Yauricocha Mine, which is located 150 kilometers east-southeast of Lima in the Yauricocha Mining District, Peru.

07:08 EDT Darden CEO: 'Strong same-restaurant sales drove continued market share gains' - "Our strong same-restaurant sales and new restaurant growth drove continued market share gains during the quarter," said CEO Gene Lee. "That performance, in addition to our solid earnings growth, is a result of executing on our strategy. Our teams are building guest loyalty at all of our brands through their constant focus on our back-to-basics operating philosophy, which is grounded in food, service and atmosphere."

07:06 EDT Aclaris Therapeutics - Aclaris Therapeutics announced that it has initiated a Phase 2 open-label clinical trial of ATI-50002, a topical Janus Kinase 1/3 inhibitor and an investigational drug, for the potential treatment of non-segmental vitiligo of the face. This trial will evaluate the safety, tolerability and preliminary efficacy of ATI-50002 Topical applied twice daily in 24 adult subjects with non-segmental vitiligo of the face. This 24-week trial will be conducted at 3 investigational centers within the United States.

07:05 EDT Jack in the Box announces agreement to sell Qdoba to Apollo affiliates for $305M

07:04 EDT Darden sees FY18 new restaurant openings about 40, up from prior view of 35-40

07:03 EDT CB&I announces settlement agreement with Cameron LNG - CB&I announced it has reached a settlement agreement with Cameron LNG relating to the three-train LNG liquefaction project in Hackberry, Louisiana. CB&I is constructing the project through CCJV, a joint venture with Chiyoda International Corporation. "This settlement with Cameron LNG marks an important milestone in resolving all past commercial issues and aligning all parties toward the successful completion of the project," said Patrick Mullen, CB&I's President and CEO. "We appreciate the collaboration of Cameron LNG and look forward to their continued support as we move forward with the safe and on-time completion of this significant energy infrastructure project." The settlement resolves all known and unknown claims to date, including impacts from Hurricane Harvey, and includes the following key components: Resolves all past commercial issues and increases the certainty of the project schedule, which has all three liquefaction trains producing LNG in 2019; Provides incentive bonus payments related to expedited project completion; Waiver of any schedule-related liquidated damages related to the original contract and reestablishment of liquidated damage start dates according to the settlement.

07:02 EDT Glaukos to begin randomized U.S. IDE clinical trial for iStent SA system - Glaukos Corporation announced that the U.S. FDA is allowing the company to move forward with a U.S. Investigational Device Exemption pivotal study of its iStent SA Trabecular Micro-Bypass System. The multi-center, pivotal phase randomized trial will enroll approximately 400 subjects and evaluate iStent SA compared to selective laser trabeculoplasty, a procedure where short laser pulses are used to target specific trabecular meshwork cells in order to increase aqueous humor outflow. Approximately 80 additional subjects from the initial trial phase will also be included in the pivotal trial. The primary efficacy endpoint is non-inferiority to SLT at one year postoperative.

07:01 EDT Darden reports Q2 Olive Garden same-restaurant sales up 3.0%

07:00 EDT Accenture froms strategic alliance with Maana - Accenture has formed a strategic alliance with and made a minority investment in Maana, the pioneer in digital knowledge technology enabling industrial companies to accelerate digital transformation. The alliance will initially target oil and gas clients, with plans to expand to other industries. Terms of the investment were not disclosed.

06:52 EDT Platform Specialty Products: Chairman, Berggruen purchase 500,000 shares - Platform Specialty Products announces the recent purchase of shares of Platform's common stock by its Chairman, Martin Franklin, and Berggruen Holdings. Franklin and Berggruen Holdings each purchased 500,000 shares. Nicolas Berggruen, a director of Platform, is one of the directors of Berggruen Holdings.

06:34 EDT Co-Diagnostics enters into lease for new laboratory facility - Co-Diagnostics announced leasing a new and upgraded, CGMP-ready and Biological Safety Level 2 laboratory facility in Salt Lake City, Utah. The company remarked, "The upgraded facility is nearly perfectly appointed with the necessary amenities to immediately commence production operations. This site will help us to reduce our dependence on outside locations to complete robust validations of the Company's products, and represents the next step in our growth as a world-class developer of molecular diagnostics. Our trained personnel will now have the capacity to manufacture high-quality products that meet the standards of the FDA, preparing the Company to seek future FDA approvals for sale domestically and export abroad." The new facility will also house the corporate headquarters for the Company.

06:32 EDT HFF to sell 260 East 161st Street office building - Holliday Fenoglio Fowler announces the sale of 260 East 161st Street, a Class A office and retail building totaling 276,622 square feet in the Bronx borough of New York City. The HFF team represented the seller, Acadia Realty Trust, and procured the buyer, Jamestown. Additionally, HFF is currently working on behalf of the buyer to arrange financing for the asset.

06:06 EDT Kirkland Lake Gold announces positive drilling results at Cosmo and NT - Kirkland Lake Gold announced positive drilling results at the Cosmo Mine, or Cosmo, in the Northern Territory, or NT, Australia. A total of 65 holes for 23,553 m from underground diamond drilling and nine holes for 4,184 m from surface drilling were completed to test the expansion potential of the Lantern Deposit. The results substantially increase the deposit footprint, particularly to the north, and demonstrate the potential for significant growth in Mineral Resources. The high-grade gold mineralization intersected from recent drilling exhibits a change from fine-grained free gold in Cosmo Deposit to coarser-grained free gold in narrow quartz veins within Lantern.

06:05 EDT Differential Brands partners with Throat Threads Apparel - Differential Brands Group announced that it has entered into a partnership with Throat Threads Apparel to relaunch the premium denim line, Hudson Jeans, into Canada. Under new design direction from seasoned denim innovator, Zihaad Wells, Hudson Jeans is injecting a rebellious energy into the denim world. The new direction of Hudson Jeans will resonate with the 'denim-devotee' with an emphasis on lifestyle and the expansion of sportswear.

06:04 EDT Awingu, Barracuda Networks announce technology relationship - Awingu announced a technology relationship with Barracuda Networks. The new synergy brings together Barracuda's high performance security and zero-touch configuration with Awingu's turnkey, browser-based workspace solution, facilitating the deployment of Awingu in hybrid cloud environments

06:03 EDT Tutor Perini subsidiary to proceed with Rio Tinto $274M contract - Tutor Perini announced that a joint venture between its subsidiary, Frontier-Kemper Constructors, and Aecon Group, of which Frontier-Kemper has a 60% share, has received Notice to Proceed from Rio Tinto for a contract valued at approximately C$337M, or $274M, to complete the construction of the remaining 7.6-km section of a 16-km second tunnel at the Kemano Generating Station in British Columbia. The contract value was included in the Company's Q3 backlog. The project's scope of work includes the excavation and boring of new tunnel segments, tunnel lining, rehabilitation of existing underground and surface excavations, and installation of intake gates and other related structures. Design work is progressing with site activities to commence in late Q1 of FY18. The project is expected to reach completion in the Q3 of FY20.

06:02 EDT Facebook reports government requests for account data up 21% in 1H17 vs. 2H16 - Facebook Deputy General Counsel Chris Sonderby says, "Today we are releasing our Transparency Report, previously called the Government Requests Report, for the first half of 2017. For the first time, we are expanding the report beyond government requests to provide data regarding reports from rights holders related to intellectual property -- covering copyright, trademark, and counterfeit. Requests for account data increased by 21% globally compared to the second half of 2016, from 64,279 to 78,890. Fifty-seven percent of the data requests we received from law enforcement in the U.S. contained a non-disclosure order that prohibited us from notifying the user, up from 50% in our last report. Additionally, as a result of transparency reforms introduced in 2016 by the USA Freedom Act, the U.S. government notified us that it was lifting the non-disclosure order on five National Security Letters we previously received between 2012 and 2015. Overall, the number of content restrictions for violating local law increased by 304% globally, compared to the second half of 2016, from 6,944 to 28,036. This increase was primarily driven by a request from Mexican law enforcement to remove instances of a video depicting a school shooting in Monterrey in January. We restricted access in Mexico to 20,506 instances of the video in the first half of 2017. Meanwhile, there were 52 disruptions of Facebook services in nine countries in the first half of 2017, compared to 43 disruptions in 20 countries in the second half of 2016. We continue to be deeply concerned by internet disruptions, which can create barriers for businesses and prevent people from sharing and communicating with their family and friends." Reference Link

05:50 EDT Elbit Systems awarded follow-on $46M contract to provide DIRCM system to NATO - Elbit Systems announced that it was awarded a follow-on $46M contract to supply additional J-Music Direct Infrared Countermeasures, or DIRCM, self-protection systems to NATO, for its Airbus A330 Multinational Multi-Role Tanker Transport Fleet Program. The contract will be performed over a four-year period. Similar to several previous awards from global air forces and other customers, Elbit Systems will equip NATO's Airbus A330 tankers with the J-Music DIRCM systems along with the company's Infra-Red-based Passive Airborne Warning Systems.

05:45 EDT Sandstorm Gold acquires 2% NSR royalty on Endeavour Hounde mine - Sandstorm Gold announced that the company has agreed to purchase an existing 2% net smelter returns royalty on the producing Hounde gold mine in Burkina Faso, operated by Endeavour Mining. The NSR Royalty will be acquired from Acacia Mining plc for US$45 million in cash and covers the Kari North and Kari South tenements, representing approximately 500 square kilometres of the Hounde property package. Nearly the entire Hounde Mineral Reserve of 2.1 million ounces is located on the Kari North and Kari South tenements, including the Vindaloo deposit and most of the Bouere deposit. The NSR Royalty acquisition is expected to close in January 2018.

05:23 EDT Bladex announces departure of CEO Amaral Jr., COO Gabriel Tolchinsky to succeed - The board of Bladex announced that Rubens Amaral Jr. submitted his resignation and will step down as CEO effective April 30, 2018. He will be succeeded by N. Gabriel Tolchinsky, currently the Bank's COO and Alternate to the CEO.

05:20 EDT CIM Commercial Trust announces private share repurchase, special dividend - CIM Commercial Trust announced that it has repurchased, in a privately negotiated transaction, 14.09M shares of its common stock from a fund managed by an affiliate of CIM Group, the manager of CMCT. The aggregate purchase price was $310M or $22.00 per share. In order for all common shareholders to participate in the economic benefit of the share repurchase in an equitable manner, CMCT's Board of Directors has declared a special cash dividend of 73c per common share. The amount of the special cash dividend per common share was calculated based on the spread between $22.00, the repurchase price, and the volume-weighted average price per common share for the 20 trailing trading days through December 15, 2017 of $19.12 per common share. The dividend will be paid on January 11, 2018 to common shareholders of record as of December 29, 2017. The Fund has informed CMCT that it waived its right to receive this special cash dividend on the common shares that it owns.