Stockwinners Market Radar for January 16, 2018 - Earnings, Upgrades downgrades, option trades, Best Stock Advisory Service

19:05 EDT New Gold sees FY18 gold production 525,000-595,000 ounces - Sees FY18 copper production 75M-85M pounds.

19:04 EDT New Gold reports FY17 gold production 430,864 ounces - Reports FY17 copper production 104M pounds.

18:27 EDT Transocean shareholders show 'overwhelming support' for Songa transaction - Transocean announced that it commenced its previously scheduled extraordinary meeting of shareholders to approve proposals related to the acquisition of Songa Offshore SE. The EGM is continuing to allow for the tabulation of votes required to meet a quorum. Transocean shareholders have shown overwhelming support for the transaction, with approximately 97% of the shares for which proxies have been submitted and counted indicating approval of the proposals. Unless a quorum is reached, the company will be unable to complete this transaction. The company expects to announce results of the EGM on or about January 17.

18:02 EDT Celanese announces price increases for engineered materials polymer products - Celanese Corporation announced price increases on its Hostaform/Celcon Polyacetal grades, PBT grades, TPC grades, and LCP grades. The price increases will be effective February 15, 2018, or as contracts otherwise allow.

17:41 EDT On The Fly: After Hours Movers - HIGHER: Juno Therapeutics (JUNO), up 41.5% after the Wall Street Journal reported that it is in talks to be acquired by Celgene (CELG)... Newater Technology (NEWA), up 26.1% after the company and NW Blockchain announced a strategic partnership... Verso (VRS), up 10.3% after it expanded strategic alternatives to include a potential sale or merger... Exelixis (EXEL), up 3.5% after it and Ipsen (IPSEY) said that cabozantinib provided a statistically significant and clinically meangingful improvement versus placebo in overall survival in a pivotal phase 3 trial. DOWN AFTER EARNINGS: Renasant (RNST), down 4.2%... Interactive Brokers (IBKR), down 2.9%... CSX (CSX), down 1.3%. ALSO LOWER: A10 Networks (ATEN), down 22.7% after reporting preliminary fourth quarter results... HTG Molecular (HTGM), down 18.6% after it filed to sell $10M shares of common stock... Aerohive Networks (HIVE), down 15.8% after announcing preliminary Q4 results... Obalon Therapeutics (OBLN), down 11.7% after it filed to sell $35M in common stock... Intrexon (XON), down 7% after it filed to sell common stock... Boot Barn (BOOT), down 4.5% after it filed to sell 5.5M shares of common stock for holders... Ford (F), down 1.9% after it announced increased investment in electric vehicles and provided guidance for fiscal 2017 and 2018... Celgene, down 1.7% after the Wall Street Journal reported that it was in talks to acquire Juno Therapeutics.

17:30 EDT Exelixis trading resumes

17:10 EDT BAE Systems and General Dynamics awarded $158M U.S. Navy contract option - BAE Systems (BAESY) and General Dynamics (GD) are being awarded firm-fixed price modifications to previously awarded indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity, multiple-award contracts to exercise option period two for the accomplishment of complex emergent and continuous maintenance and Chief of Naval Operations availabilities on amphibious ships homeported in San Diego, California. The exercising of these options ensures continued facilities and human resources capable of completing complex emergent and continuous maintenance, repair, modernization and Chief of Naval Operations maintenance availabilities on amphibious ships assigned to or visiting the port of San Diego, California. The option period two estimated cumulative ceiling value is $157,977,304. Work will be performed in San Diego, California, and is expected to be complete by March 2019.

17:09 EDT Energy Fuels, Ur-Energy file petition with DOC over effects of uranium imports - Energy Fuels (UUUU) and Ur-Energy (URG) jointly submitted a Petition to the U.S. Department of Commerce for Relief Under Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act of 1962 from Imports of Uranium Products that Threaten National Security. "Imports of uranium from state-owned and state-subsidized enterprises in Russia, Kazakhstan, and Uzbekistan now fulfill nearly 40% of U.S. demand, while domestic production fulfills less than 5%. Increasing levels of nuclear fuel are expected to be imported from Russia and China in the coming years, which will compete directly with U.S. uranium production. In 2017, U.S. uranium production fell to near historic lows due in large part to uranium and nuclear fuel imported from state-subsidized foreign entities; 2018 domestic production is likely to be even lower. A healthy uranium mining industry is vital to U.S. national security, because it supplies fuel for nuclear power plants that are a key component of the nation's critical energy infrastructure and essential defense needs. Ur-Energy and Energy Fuels, both headquartered in Denver, Colorado, are the two main U.S. uranium producers, together supplying more than half of all U.S. uranium in 2017. Energy Fuels and Ur-Energy have filed a Section 232 Petition requesting (1) the Department of Commerce to investigate the effects of uranium imports on U.S. national security and (2) the President to use his authority to adjust imports to ensure the long-term viability of the U.S. uranium mining industry. Energy Fuels and Ur-Energy have proposed sensible remedies that will support a viable domestic uranium mining industry with a negligible impact on U.S. nuclear utilities."

17:07 EDT Eldorado Gold sees FY18 gold production 160,000-190,000 ounces - Sees FY18 development capital $191M. Sees FY18 total capital $260M. "2018 is already proving to be a busy year, full of catalysts, with development underway at Lamaque and new or updated technical studies for Lamaque, Skouries and Kisladag. All three studies are expected to be completed by the end of the first quarter, which will then drive the plan for the remainder of the year. Our overarching goal for 2018 and beyond is to move Eldorado back into a growth phase and create value for all our stakeholders."

17:06 EDT Exelixis and Ipsen disclose Phase 3 results of Cabozantinib - Exelixis (EXEL) and Ipsen (IPSEY) announced detailed results of the pivotal phase 3 CELESTIAL trial in patients with previously treated advanced hepatocellular carcinoma, which will be presented in a late-breaking oral session at the 2018 ASCO-GI Symposium being held in San Francisco, January 18-20, 2018. In CELESTIAL, cabozantinib provided a statistically significant and clinically meaningful improvement versus placebo in overall survival, the trial's primary endpoint, at the planned second interim analysis for the population of second- and third-line patients enrolled in this study. Median OS was 10.2 months with cabozantinib versus 8.0 months with placebo. Median progression-free survival was more than doubled, at 5.2 months with cabozantinib and 1.9 months with placebo . Objective response rates per RECIST 1.1 were 4 percent with cabozantinib and 0.4 percent with placebo. Disease control was achieved by 64 percent of the cabozantinib group compared with 33 percent of the placebo group. In a subgroup analysis of patients whose only prior therapy for advanced HCC was sorafenib, median OS was 11.3 months with cabozantinib versus 7.2 months with placebo. Median PFS in the subgroup was 5.5 months with cabozantinib versus 1.9 months with placebo. Adverse events were consistent with the known safety profile of cabozantinib.

17:05 EDT W.R. Grace signs $200M agreement with two Kazakhstan operators - W. R. Grace & Co. has signed an investment framework agreement with "KazMunayGas", Kazakhstan's national operator for exploration, production, refining, and transportation of hydrocarbons, representing the state in Kazakhstan's petroleum sector; and "United Chemical Company", operator of Kazakhstan's State Program on Accelerated Industrial and Innovative Development in the chemical industry. Under the framework, Grace will provide Fluid Catalytic Cracking, or FCC, catalysts and technical services to the refineries operated by KazMunayGas as well as investments to construct a catalysts logistics terminal and an FCC catalysts laboratory in Kazakhstan. The total economic value of the agreement could deliver over $200M in catalysts, technical services, and facilities over the proposed seven-year initial term.

17:04 EDT Ford board declares 13c per share supplemental cash dividend - As a result of the company's performance in 2017, Ford's board of directors declared a first quarter regular dividend of 15c per share and a $500M supplemental cash dividend that is equal to 13c per share. This provides a combined total of 28c per share of dividends on the company's outstanding Class B and common stock.

17:02 EDT Ford increases planned investments in electrification to $11B by 2022 - Ford detailed plans to improve operational fitness, refocus capital allocation and accelerate the introduction of smart vehicles and services. For example, the company is reducing the number of orderable combinations on Escape, Fusion and EcoSport from thousands, to just 10 to 20 combinations for each vehicle. This will improve costs by reducing manufacturing expense, lowering inventory and logistics expense and improve quality, while growing revenue by ensuring customers can get what they want faster and at the dealer of their choosing. The company said it would continue to pursue partnerships, alliances, and acquisitions as a key component to enhance its competitiveness. Ford is pursuing partnerships, alliances, and acquisitions where doing so provides access to technology and capabilities that will enhance its competitive position, including with Mahindra in India and Zotye in China to develop vehicles and services uniquely suited to compete in those markets. In addition, Ford said it will shift toward a lower volume passenger car lineup in North America and Europe, while competing in more profitable sub-segments of the utilities market, as demonstrated by vehicles such as the new Edge ST and the upcoming Bronco. In North America, for example, over the next couple of years, Ford's SUV mix will increase 10 percentage points, while its car portfolio will shrink about 10 percentage points. Ford also will expand its electrified vehicle lineup with a total of 40 vehicles globally, which will include 16 full battery electric vehicles by 2022. To support this, the company announced that it now plans to invest more than $11B in electrification from 2015 to 2022. The company also reiterated that it is on track to deliver a full battery electric performance SUV that offers at least a 300-mile range, for launch in 2020.

17:02 EDT Tenneco to supply Suzuki with its MTV suspension technology - Tenneco (TEN) is supplying Suzuki (SZKMF) its Multi-Tuned Valve suspension technology on the Swift Sport manufactured in Japan, as well as the Dzire compact-sedan passenger car produced in India by Maruti Suzuki India Limited. The latest generation Swift, which made its debut in September at IAA 2017 in Frankfurt, Germany, will feature front struts and rear dampers from Tenneco.

17:01 EDT H.B. Fuller announces price increase on Adhesives - H.B. Fuller Company announced that, effective immediately or as contracts allow, the North America Adhesives group of H.B. Fuller will increase the price for adhesives between 5%-15%, depending on the product sold.

16:55 EDT Renasant says it is well positioned as it enters FY18 - The company said "Our continued success in 2017 was a leading factor considered by our Board of Directors this past November when approving an increase to our quarterly dividend which boosts our annual cash dividend from 72c-76c. We believe we are well positioned for greater success as we enter 2018. Continued focus on our key strategic initiatives, coupled with further benefits to be realized from the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, is expected to contribute to our success in the coming year."

16:53 EDT Enterprise Bancorp raises quarterly dividend 7.4% to 14.5c per share - On January 16, 2018, the board of directors of Enterprise Bancorp, Inc. declared a quarterly dividend of 14.5c per share to be paid on March 1, 2018 to shareholders of record as of February 8, 2018. The 2018 dividend rate represents a 7.4% increase over the 2017 dividend rate.

16:48 EDT CSX says chemical segment supported by stable core markets - Agriculture and food product revenue declined on lower volume.

16:48 EDT Genesco says welcomes opens communication with all shareholders - Genesco issued a statement in response to the Schedule 13D filed by Legion Partners Asset Management, LLC and 4010 Capital, LLC and affiliated entities: "Genesco welcomes open communication with all its shareholders and values constructive input and suggestions that may advance its goal of enhancing shareholder value. We have engaged in various discussions with representatives of Legion Partners and expect to continue a constructive dialog."

16:47 EDT Copa Holdings reports December traffic up 9.9% - For the month of December 2017, Copa Holdings' system-wide passenger traffic - RPMs - increased 9.9% year over year, while capacity - ASMs - increased 7.8%. As a result, system load factor for the month was 82.6%, a 1.6% increase when compared to December 2016.

16:44 EDT CSX says 'encouraged' by Q4 financial performance - Says "aggressively" developing new trip plans. Says Q4 cargo volume down 2% on adjusted basis. Says "encouraged" by Q4 financial performance. Says ordered hump bulldozed at Atlanta switching yard. Comments taken from Q4 earnings conference call.

16:33 EDT Spirit Airlines sees Q4 RASM down around 2% year-over-year - This investor update provides Spirit's fourth quarter and full year 2017 guidance. All data is based on preliminary estimates.Total revenue per available seat mile for the fourth quarter 2017 is estimated to be down approximately 2% year over year. "This is better than our previous guidance range of down 4 to 6% primarily due to better-than-expected yields during the peak holiday periods. Adjusted cost per available seat mile ex-fuel for the fourth quarter 2017 is expected to be down approximately 4% year over year. The company expects to record a credit, or reduction, to income tax expense in fourth quarter 2017 of approximately $200M due to tax reform legislation as a result of the difference between rates in effect when income tax expense was accrued, and the rates expected to be in effect when the income taxes will in fact be paid. This estimated impact is a non-cash item for fourth quarter 2017 and is expected to be treated as a special item. For the purposes of calculating non-GAAP Earnings per Share, for the fourth quarter and full year 2017 we plan to apply a tax rate of 375. For 2018, we estimate our effective tax rate will be approximately 24%, however, we anticipate our cash tax rate will be approximately zero," said Spirit in a regulatory filing.

16:33 EDT Jack in the Box names Lance Tucker CFO - Jack in the Box (JACK) announced that Lance F. Tucker will join the company as Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, effective March 26, 2018. Tucker is currently Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Chief Administrative Officer for Papa John's International (PZZA), where he oversees all finance, accounting, legal, human resources, investor relations, strategic planning and risk management functions.

16:32 EDT Team names Amerino Gatti as new CEO - Team announced that Amerino Gatti has been appointed as Chief Executive Officer and a member of the Company's Board of Directors, effective January 24, 2018. Prior to joining Team, Gatti served for more than 25 years at Schlumberger Limited. As President of the Production Group, he oversaw 20,000 employees across 85 countries and delivered growth and market share gain for a business with multi-billion dollars in annual revenues. Previously, he served in a variety of roles of progressing leadership responsibility including, President - Production Group, President Well Services, VP Production Group - North America, VP Marketing & Sales - North America, VP & General Manager - Qatar GeoMarket, and VP Sand Management Services.

16:31 EDT One Gas sees CapEx $375M-$415M per year from 2018-2022 - Capital expenditures are expected to be in the range of $375M to $415M per year between 2018 and 2022, with more than 70% of these expenditures targeted for system integrity and replacement projects. ONE Gas' previous five-year capital expenditures guidance range was $350M to $380M per year between 2017 and 2021.

16:31 EDT Spirit Airlines sees Q4 RASM down 2% y/y - Sees Q4 ASMs up 17.6%. Sees Q4 adjusted operating expense ex-fuel per ASM down roughly 4%. Total revenue per available seat mile for the fourth quarter 2017 is estimated to be down approximately 2% year over year, previous view down 4%-6%. The company expects to record a credit, or reduction, to income tax expense in fourth quarter 2017 of approximately $200M due to tax reform legislation as a result of the difference between rates in effect when income tax expense was accrued, and the rates expected to be in effect when the income taxes will in fact be paid. This estimated impact is a non-cash item for fourth quarter 2017 and is expected to be treated as a special item. For the purposes of calculating non-GAAP Earnings per Share, for the fourth quarter and full year 2017 the company plans to apply a tax rate of 37%. For 2018, we estimate our effective tax rate will be approximately 24%, however, we anticipate our cash tax rate will be approximately zero.

16:28 EDT InterDigital in amended patent license pact with Pegatron - On January 16 certain subsidiaries of Interdigital entered into an amended patent license agreement and settlement agreement with Pegatron, pursuant to which the parties have amended certain terms of their existing 2008 patent license agreement, agreed to resolve all of their existing disputes, and agreed to discuss potential research and development or other technical collaboration between the parties.

16:22 EDT Antero Midstream GP increases dividend 27% to 7.5c - The Board of Directors of AMGP GP, the general partner of AMGP, declared a distribution of 7.5c per share for the Q4. The distribution represents a 27% increase compared to the Q3. he distribution is AMGP's second consecutive quarterly distribution increase since its initial public offering in May 2017 and will be payable on February 20 to shareholders of record as of February 1.

16:21 EDT Espey Mfg announces new three-year term for CEO Patrick Enright, Jr. - Espey Mfg. & Electronics Corp. announced that its board has approved a new three year employment agreement for its president and CEO, Patrick Enright, Jr. Enright was hired as Espey's president and CEO in 2015.

16:19 EDT Boeing, Adient launch new company to design, build airplane seats - Boeing (BA) and Adient (ADNT) announced the formation of Adient Aerospace, a joint venture that will develop, manufacture and sell a portfolio of seating products to airlines and aircraft leasing companies. The seats will be available for installation on new airplanes and as retrofit configurations for aircraft produced by Boeing and other commercial airplane manufacturers. The joint venture between Boeing, the world's largest aerospace company, and Adient, the global leader in automotive seating, addresses the aviation industry's needs for more capacity in the seating category, superior quality and reliable on-time performance. Adient Aerospace will benefit from the world-class engineering teams and innovative cultures at both companies, as well as shared expertise in managing complex, global supply chains. Adient Aerospace's operational headquarters, technology center and initial production plant will be located in Kaiserslautern, Germany, near Frankfurt. The joint venture's initial customer service center will be based in Seattle, Washington. Adient Aerospace aftermarket spare parts distribution will be performed exclusively through Aviall, a wholly owned subsidiary of Boeing. Adient is the majority stakeholder in the new company (50.01% share) and expects the joint venture to be included in its consolidated financial statements. Boeing (as 49.99% partner) will receive a proportionate share of the earnings and cash flow. Both will have representation on Adient Aerospace's board of directors.

16:18 EDT A10 Networks down 2% afterhours after preliminary Q4 revenue shortfall

16:16 EDT MetLife to merger General American Life with and into Metropolitan Tower - MetLife announced that it intends to merge its subsidiary, General American Life Insurance Company, with and into another subsidiary, Metropolitan Tower Life Insurance Company. Metropolitan Tower Life Insurance Company will continue as the surviving entity after the merger, and the merged entity will be domiciled in Nebraska. The transactions, which are subject to applicable regulatory approvals, are expected to be completed in the first half of 2018. Following the decision to separate a substantial portion of its U.S. Retail segment, MetLife conducted a review of the entities out of which it does business, leading to the decision to merge the two subsidiaries.

16:13 EDT eHealth CFO David Francis to transition to role of Chief Operating Officer - eHealth announced changes to the company's management structure. David Francis, the company's Chief Financial Officer and Chief Operations Officer, will take on the new role of Chief Operating Officer of eHealth. This new position within eHealth will be responsible for managing all revenue operations of the company. eHealth intends to commence a search for a new Chief Financial Officer to allow Mr. Francis to focus on growth and operating initiatives across the business. Mr. Francis will continue to serve as Chief Financial Officer until his replacement is named.

16:10 EDT Mid Penn Bancorp, First Priority Financial Corp agree to merge - Mid Penn Bancorp and First Priority Financial headquartered in Malvern, Pennsylvania jointly announced the signing of a definitive merger agreement pursuant to which Mid Penn will acquire First Priority in an all-stock transaction valued at approximately $82M based upon Mid Penn's 20-day volume weighted average price of $33.71 as of January 12. The merger, unanimously approved by both boards of directors, will expand Mid Penn's footprint into the attractive demographic markets of southeastern Pennsylvania, including Chester, Berks, Montgomery and Bucks counties, creating a community banking franchise with approximately $2.2B in assets, $1.8B in deposits and $1.6B in loans.Under the terms of the merger agreement, shareholders of First Priority common stock will receive 0.3481 shares of Mid Penn common stock for each share of First Priority common stock they own. All options to purchase First Priority common stock will be cashed out upon completion of the merger.The transaction is expected to be accretive to earnings per share with a tangible book value dilution earn back in under 3 years.

16:09 EDT Legion Partners reports 5.19% stake in Genesco - Legion Partners, which reported a 5.19% stake in Genesco, said in a regulatory filing that it believes the current market price of Genesco shares do not reflect the company's intrinsic value. Legion added that it is highly focused on collaborating with the company's management and board to significantly improve returns on invested capital.

16:06 EDT Verso expands strategic alternatives to include potential sale or merger - Verso announced that the Strategic Alternatives Committee formed by its Board of Directors in September 2017, has, at the direction of the Board, expanded its evaluation of potential transaction alternatives to include other alternatives, including but not limited to, a potential sale or merger of the entire company. As previously announced, the Committee, with the assistance of Houlihan Lokey Capital, the company's financial advisor, has been charged with identifying and evaluating a range of potential strategic transaction alternatives to maximize value to Verso stockholders, and with recommending to the Board whether any potential transaction is in the best interests of the company and its stockholders. There is no assurance that the review of potential strategic alternatives will result in any transaction or other strategic alternative. Verso does not intend to make any further disclosure concerning these matters until a definitive transaction agreement is reached or a determination is made that none will be pursued.

16:06 EDT Cohu secures major European customer for MATRiX, terms not disclosed - Cohu announced the company has secured a major European automotive customer for its MATRiX tri-temperature pick-and-place handler combined with its multi-beam test contactors. Cohu's MATRiX handler has a highly-flexible test site configuration that's well suited for a wide range of test applications, including analog ICs with short test times and high throughput, automotive devices requiring accurate thermal control, small pitch wireless-communication products, high parallel microcontroller testing, MEMS device testing, and many other device market segments with their unique requirements.

16:04 EDT Maximus appoints Bruce Caswell as CEO after retirement of Richard Montoni - Maximus announced that Richard A. Montoni will retire from his role as CEO Officer effective April 1. The Board of Directors has unanimously selected President Bruce L. Caswell to succeed Montoni as CEO. Since joining MAXIMUS in 2004, Caswell has held several senior leadership roles overseeing all segments of the Company's business. Caswell's vision and operational leadership facilitated the growth of the Health Services Segment, the Company's largest book of business. Under Caswell's leadership, the Health Services Segment grew more than 300% over the last ten years, and he led the Company's strategy in helping governments navigate major health policy reform efforts and implement solutions to meet changing requirements. Mr. Caswell expanded the Company's core capabilities to include a growing level of clinical expertise within the assessments and appeals portfolio.

15:45 EDT U.S. Bancorp names CEO Andy Cecere chairman of the board - U.S. Bancorp, parent company of U.S. Bank, announced that Andy Cecere, president and CEO, has been named chairman of the board of directors, effective at the Annual Meeting of Shareholders in April 2018. Richard Davis, executive chairman, will retire from the board of directors at that time. David O'Maley will continue in his role as the board's lead independent director.

15:24 EDT Iroquois Capital reports 6.3% stake in Real Goods Solar - This activist stake held by Iroquois Capital was reported in a regulatory filing. Shares of Real Goods Solar are up 2.4% to $1.28 per share in late day trading.

14:59 EDT Crypto-currencies crash bringing related companies down with them - Shares of cryptocurrencies like Ripple, Ethereum and the granddaddy of all, Bitcoin are falling today, bringing the shares of related publicly-traded companies down with them. BANK HALTS WIRE TRANSFERS: Over this past weekend, Fortune reported that Metropolitan Bank Holding Corp, which had facilitated the operations of cryptocurrency companies and investment firms halted all "all cryptocurrency-related international wires effective immediately." According to Fortune's sources, the bank had verification issues with international wire transfers for cryptocurrency accounts. Apparently, this all stemmed from an incident of fraud tied to one of Metropolitan's bank clients. CHINA CRACKDOWN: According to a Bloomberg article out Monday, China is ramping up its regulations on online platforms and mobile apps that offer exchange-like services. "The government plans to block domestic access to homegrown and offshore platforms that enable centralized trading, the people said, without being more specific about how policy makers define such platforms," said Bloomberg. PRICE ACTION: Shares of Bitcoin are down over 17% , while Ethereum is lower by 18%. Ripple is plunging almost 30% in afternoon trading. Shares of Bitcoin-related companies that trade on U.S. exchanges are lower including Overstock.com (OSTK), down 8.5%, Advanced Micro Devices (AMD), lower by over 1%, NVIDIA (NVDA), falling 2%, Square (SQ) plunging over 5%, Long Blockchain Corp (LBCC), down 2.6%, Eastman Kodak (KODK), lower by 9.5%, and both Marathon (MARA) and Grayscale's Bitcoin Investment Trust down over 10%.

14:54 EDT Calm Waters Partnership reports 5.9% passive stake in Bridgepoint Education - In a regulatory filing, Calm Waters Partnership disclosed a 5.9% stake in Bridgepoint Education, representing 1,610,000 shares. The filing does not allow for activism.

14:11 EDT Citi reports December credit loss 2.58% vs. 2.49% last month - Reports 30-plus day delinquency rate 1.53% vs. 1.58% last month.

14:02 EDT OG&E says customers to benefit from federal tax reform in its rate filing - Oklahoma Gas and Electric, a subsidiary of Oklahoma City-based OGE Energy Corp., announced that it has asked the Oklahoma Corporation Commission to review the company's request to recover its approximately $390M investment in the Mustang Energy Center, the first, new, natural-gas fired plant the company has built in more than 30 years. The new plant includes seven, modern quick-start natural-gas turbines that replaced two of the oldest natural gas-fired units in the country. The company initially planned to seek a rate increase of about $70M per year to recover its investment. Following President Donald Trump's signing of federal tax reform in December 2017, the company delayed its filing from late December to today to adjust its proposed filing to ensure customers benefitted from the lower corporate tax rate. The company is now seeking just under $2M per year, and the average Oklahoma residential customer will see no monthly bill increase. OG&E's rates today are 24% below the national average, placing them among the lowest in the country, the company said.

14:00 EDT Qatar Investment Authority reports 5.34% passive stake in Vistra Energy - In a regulatory filing, Qatar Investment Authority disclosed a 5.34% passive stake in Vistra Energy, representing 22,880,381 shares. The filing does not allow for activism.

13:40 EDT CF Industries, Mosaic slide as analyst remains cautious on fertilizer market - In a research note to investors, Credit Suisse analyst Christopher Parkinson reiterated his cautious view on the agricultural sector, saying he believes key global demand drivers show little to no evidence of year-over-year improvement. Furthermore, Parkinson argued that "hope is still a dangerous thing in 2018" and the agricultural cycle rebound play is "fairly dangerous." CONCERNS REMAIN: This morning, Credit Suisse's Parkinson told investors that as "Ag Euphoria" is once again in full swing in 2018, he reiterates his cautious view on the sector. The analyst argued that key global demand drivers show little to no evidence of year-over-year improvement, likely resulting in yet another season of lackluster performance for seed, agricultural chemical and fertilizer markets. Further, Parkinson stressed that fertilizer markets will remain structurally over-supplied. Buy-side expectations also appear lofty, warranting a "significant degree of near-term caution," he contended. Additionally, the analyst pointed out that adverse changes to the North American Free Trade Agreement also pose a key risk as Mexico remains a key importer of U.S. agricultural goods and has alternative suppliers from South America. While investors are playing seasonality/Chinese environmental reforms, Parkinson stressed "hope is still a dangerous thing in 2018." The analyst believes structural changes are being ignored, rendering the agricultural cycle rebound play "fairly dangerous." He also sees a "significant" degree of new supply previously planned to hit in 2017 which will now arrive this year. Overall, the analyst told investors he believes fertilizers markets will remain supply driven in 2018, driving volatile pricing and keeping profitability "lower for longer." FMC REMAINS TOP PICK: Credit Suisse's Parkinson also noted that nitrogen markets are set for another turbulent year in 2018, but CF Industries (CF) should be well positioned to manage the volatility. In his view, a supply overhang awaits following delayed capacity expansions in 2017 and an uncertain demand outlook in 2018, which sums to a difficult supply/demand and pricing environment ahead. Nonetheless, Parkinson believes that CF's cost-advantaged position should see the business generate solid cash margins despite pricing volatility, while U.S. tax reform should be a benefit to earnings. The analyst raised his price target for CF to $40 from $37, while reiterating a Neutral rating on the shares. Also keeping a Neutral rating on Nutrien (NTR), Parkinson argued that he continues to see potash headwinds mounting in the second half of 2018. More bearish on Mosaic (MOS), the analyst argued that the company is set to face a challenging 2018, which will be a critical year for management. Noting that phosphate prices and margins are likely to disappoint, he reiterated an Underperform on Mosaic's shares and raised his price target on the stock to $20 from $18. His top pick in the sector continues to be FMC (FMC) as he believes the business is well positioned to outpace agricultural market growth, while lithium dynamics remain favorable. Additionally, Parkinson sees greater opportunity for revenue synergies in the agricultural business, especially in India, as well as recent strength in lithium pricing. The analyst raised his price target for FMC to $111 from $102, while reiterating an Outperform rating on the name. WHAT'S NOTABLE: Over the weekend, Hedgeye said it sees over 50% downside risk in shares of CF Industries, according to Bloomberg. The firm thinks lower nitrogen imports are not a sign of an improving market, the report added. PRICE ACTION: In afternoon trading, shares of CF and Mosaic have dropped almost 5% apiece, to $41.39 and $25.89, respectively, while FMC stock has slipped about 2% to $96. Also lower are Nutrien and CVR Partners (UAN), which dropped about 1% each to $53.13 and $3.95, respectively.

13:25 EDT Oded Edelman acquires 90,398 shares of Signet Jewelers - Signet Jewelers Chief Digital Innovation Adviser Oded Edelman disclosed the purchase of 90,398 shares at per share prices of $55.31 and $55.71. Edelman now owns a total of 124,360 shares of Signet, according to Bloomberg.

12:57 EDT Empery reports 7.5% passive stake in AmpliPhi - This stake does not allow for activism.

12:31 EDT Broadcom issues statement in response to Qualcomm - Broadcom (AVGO) issued a statement in response to the announcement by Qualcomm (QCOM) regarding its standalone approach. Despite the clear customer and stockholder support for the value-maximizing transaction proposed by Broadcom, Qualcomm has refused to engage with Broadcom and has instead elected to remain a standalone company, which fails to address Qualcomm's fundamental business challenges, including its ongoing disputes with customers and regulatory investigations in numerous jurisdictions. Qualcomm management has repeatedly overpromised and under-delivered since the announcement of its "strategic realignment plan" in 2015, resulting in an inability to meet financial targets as well as deteriorating profitability and destruction of stockholder value. Qualcomm's approach is a transparent attempt to sell a quick fix by the Qualcomm board and management team and an obvious tactic to deny its own stockholders the opportunity to receive a compelling premium for their shares and significant upside potential in the combined company. Based on the highly complementary nature of the businesses of the two companies, Broadcom's extensive experience in completing complex, cross-border acquisitions and initial meetings with several relevant antitrust authorities, Broadcom remains very confident that the regulatory requirements necessary to complete a combination will be met in a timely manner and expects that the proposed transaction would be completed within approximately 12 months following the signing of a definitive agreement. It is important that Qualcomm engage with us so that Qualcomm stockholders can realize the significant value that Broadcom is offering. On November 6, 2017, Broadcom proposed to acquire all of the outstanding shares of Qualcomm for per share consideration of $70.00 in cash and stock, consisting of $60.00 in cash and $10.00 in Broadcom shares. Broadcom's offer represents a 28% premium over the closing price of Qualcomm's common stock on November 2, 2017, the last unaffected trading day prior to media speculation regarding a potential transaction, and a premium of 33% to Qualcomm's unaffected 30-day volume-weighted average price. The Broadcom proposal stands whether Qualcomm's pending acquisition of NXP Semiconductors N.V. (NXPI) is consummated on the currently disclosed terms of $110 per NXP share or is terminated. On January 5, 2018, Broadcom filed definitive proxy materials in connection with its solicitation of proxies to elect 11 independent, highly qualified nominees to the Qualcomm board at Qualcomm's 2018 Annual Meeting of Stockholders, scheduled for March 6, 2018.

12:21 EDT Steve Madden reports 7.52% stake in Steven Madden - Steven Madden beneficially owns 4,475,559 shares of common stock, which includes 595,107 shares of common stock owned directly by Mr. Madden, 375,000 shares of common stock that may be acquired by Steven Madden through the exercise of options granted under the Steven Madden 2006 Stock Incentive Plan, which options are or will be exercisable within the next 60 days, and 3,147,390 shares of restricted common stock held by Mr. Madden granted under the Plan. Includes 1,254,048 shares which will vest in equal annual installments over six years

12:07 EDT LEGO Group, Tencent form partnership in China - The LEGO Group announced that it will partner with Tencent to "empower Chinese children in the digital world." The partnership will bring safe digital LEGO experiences to Chinese children and seeks to increase the awareness of digital safety among children and parents in China. The scope of the partnership includes the development of a LEGO video zone for children on the Tencent video platform, development, publication and operation of LEGO branded licensed games. It also includes the publication and operation of the online operation system for LEGO BOOST - a building and coding set that lets children bring their LEGO creations to life - and the exploration to co-develop LEGO Life, a safe social network for children, in China.

12:04 EDT ICB to purchase Manitowoc Company headquarters - Investors Community Bank, a subsidiary of County Bancorp (ICBK), announced that the bank has agreed to purchase the former Manitowoc Company (MTW) headquarters at 2400 S. 44th Street in Manitowoc and is planning on moving to the site at a future date. "As ICB continues to grow, we are nearing capacity in our existing space. We are currently housed in two buildings at our Rapids Road location, so we wanted to look at larger facility options and remain in the community," said Investors Community Bank CEO Tim Schneider. "The former Manitowoc Company building is a perfect fit for our employees and space needs, as it also allows for future expansion under one rooftop."

12:02 EDT Nestle agrees to sell U.S. confectionery business to Ferrero - Nestle announced that it agreed to sell its U.S. confectionery business to Ferrero for $2.8B in cash. Nestle's 2016 U.S. confectionery sales reached about USD 900 million. The transaction is expected to close around the end of the first quarter of 2018 following the completion of customary approvals and closing conditions.

11:31 EDT Everi Holdings names Harper Ko EVP, Chief Legal Officer - General Counsel - Everi Holdings (EVRI) announced the appointment of Harper Ko as EVP, Chief Legal Officer - General Counsel, effective immediately. She most recently served as Deputy General Counsel, Gaming for Scientific Games Corporation (SGMS).

11:19 EDT Citi CEO says 'not keen' to take on more branches via M&A

11:09 EDT Citi CFO says has already started reducing credit card promotional offers - Says card growth profile has been delayed by about a year.

10:59 EDT Citi says has not made announcement on wage increases tied to tax reform

10:43 EDT Former bear says buy Twitter as growth returns, takeover potential rises - Aegis analyst Victor Anthony upgraded Twitter (TWTR) two notches to Buy, saying he sees 2018 as an inflection point in owned and operated advertising and foresees a return to double-digit growth in that area the following year. Additionally, Anthony believes Facebook's (FB) decision to de-emphasize public content makes Twitter a more valuable resource for video and news, and therefore a more appealing takeover candidate. BUY TWITTER: Aegis' Anthony upgraded Twitter to Buy from Sell, with a $30 price target, as he expects more upside in the stock this year. The analyst told investors that he believes 2018 will be an inflection point in owned and operated advertising growth and 2019 should see that area return to double-digit growth. Additionally, Anthony argued that he expects stable, improving monthly average user growth and sustained double-digit growth in daily active users, year-over-year margin expansion, GAAP profitability and an improvement in employee morale. Along with all of that, he sees the potential for S&P 500 inclusion for Twitter shares. Furthermore, the analyst noted that Facebook's decision to emphasize user-generated content in the News Feed over public content from businesses, brands and media could make the microblogging platform a more valuable media resource for video and news content, therefore increasing its acquisition appeal. Moreover, relative to Facebook, Twitter's shares are not necessarily pricey, he contended. WHAT'S NOTABLE: Last week, BTIG analyst Richard Greenfield raised his price target on Twitter to $30 from $25, saying the company is "in the early stages of a multi-year turnaround". The analyst noted that management has refocused on the core product and embraced a video platform for premium content creators, leading to a more engaged user base and a meaningful improvement in sentiment from ad buyers over the past 6 months. Greenfield reiterated a Buy rating on Twitter's shares. PRICE ACTION: In morning trading, shares of Twitter have dropped 21c, or 0.8% to $25.20.

10:38 EDT Citi CFO says U.S. Retail Services growing slightly above outlook - CFO John Gerspach said Citi has "line of sight" to reducing effective tax rate to 24% over next two years.

10:33 EDT Citi sees core accrual net interest revenues growing another $2.5B y/y in 2018

10:23 EDT UPS says severe weather in Louisville may cause delays - UPS posted a service alert to its corporate website that stated: "Weather conditions in Louisville, Kentucky caused a disruption to operations at Worldport, UPS's main hub in the United States. As a result, some shipments may experience unavoidable delays. Contingency plans are in place and UPS is working to move shipments to their final destinations as quickly as conditions permit."

10:19 EDT Citi CFO says seeing continued momentum in Citigold wealth business

10:10 EDT Citi CEO: Tax reform to 'greatly benefit' shareholders - CEO Michael Corbat said he believes tax reform will "greatly benefit" Citi shareholders. Corbat said the macro environment is "as positive as we've seen in many years." He also noted that higher take home pay for consumers could drive increased discretionary spend. Tax reform is a "clear net positive" for the company, shareholders, Corbat added. Comments taken from the Q4 earnings conference call. Citi is up about 1% in morning trading to $77.51.

10:03 EDT Medtronic receives FDA clearance for Riptide Aspiration System - Medtronic announced that the company's Neurovascular business unit received U.S. Food and Drug Administration clearance of the Riptide Aspiration System, adding a valuable tool to the Acute Ischemic Stroke product portfolio. The Riptide Aspiration System is designed to retrieve thrombus through the Arc Catheter and restore blood flow in patients experiencing blockage of an artery in the brain, known as an ischemic stroke. The procedure involves inserting a catheter through an incision in the leg and up to the blocked artery allowing the physician to remove the blood clot. The Riptide Aspiration System is intended for use in the revascularization of patients with acute ischemic stroke secondary to intracranial large vessel occlusive disease within eight hours of symptom onset. Patients who are ineligible for intravenous tissue plasminogen activator or who fail IV t-PA therapy are candidates for treatment.

10:01 EDT Comtech awarded $1.3M production order for SSPAs - Comtech announced that during its second quarter of fiscal 2018, its Santa Clara, California-based subsidiary, Comtech Xicom Technology, which is part of Comtech's Commercial Solutions segment, received an order for more than $1.3M for Solid-State Power Amplifiers for use in an airborne In Flight Connectivity system.

09:42 EDT Worldpay begins trading on NYSE after completing combination with Vantiv - Vantiv announced earlier that it has completed its acquisition of Worldpay Group plc, a provider of technology-led payment solutions. The class A common stock of the combined company, named Worldpay, Inc., will begin trading today on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol "WP" and on the London Stock Exchange via a secondary standard listing under the symbol "WPY." This new company will have a pro forma enterprise value of $31B, processing over $1.5T in payment volume, Worldpay noted.

09:35 EDT Citi: Tax reform to drive material improvement in RoTCE - Says tax reform expected to drive material improvement in RoTCE. Says on track to increase both the return on capital and return of capital over time. Says returned ~$17B of capital to shareholders in 2017 and on track for 2018/2019 CCAR. Comments from slides that will be presented on the Q4 earnings conference call.

09:28 EDT Aquantia appoints Pirooz Parvarandeh as COO - Aquantia (AQ) announced the appointment of Pirooz Parvarandeh as COO, reporting to Faraj Aalaei, Aquantia's chairman and CEO, effective immediately. The company also announced today the departure of Ramin Shirani, SVP of engineering. Parvarandeh was formerly the group president and the first CTO at Maxim Integrated (MXIM) where he spent 27 years building leading edge technology businesses. Previous direct reports to Shirani within the engineering organization will now report to Parvarandeh.

09:24 EDT On The Fly: Pre-market Movers - UP AFTER EARNINGS: UnitedHealth (UNH), up 1%... Comerica (CMA), up just under 1%... Citigroup (C), up 2.5%... IHS Markit (INFO), up 1.9%. ALSO HIGHER: Merck (MRK), up 5.2% after announcing the pivotal Phase 3 KEYNOTE-189 trial investigating KEYTRUDA met its dual primary endpoints of overall survival and progression-free survival... General Motors (GM), up 3.8% after providing updated FY17 guidance, sayiung it expects to see strong earnings in FY18... Energizer Holdings (ENR), up 11.9% after announcing it will acquire Spectrum Batteries from Spectrum Brands (SPB) for $2B in cash... Qualcomm (QCOM), up 1.2% after Ramius announced its intention to reject Qualcomm's offer for NXP Semiconductors (NXPI) and announcing a plan for a new $1B cost reduction program. Broadcom (AVGO) is half a percent higher following the Qualcomm announcements. LOWER: General Electric (GE), down 3.6% after announcing it will take a $2.6B chargin in Q4 from insurance operations... NXP Semiconductors (NXPI), down fractionally following the Ramius announcement.

09:20 EDT Eaton Vance announces Senior leadership changes - Eaton Vance announced that Chief Administrative Officer Jeffrey P. Beale will retire on May 1. He will be replaced by Daniel C. Cataldo, the firm's Treasurer. Cataldo will report to Thomas E. Faust Jr., Chairman and CEO, and will join the Management Committee. Related developments include the appointment of John L. Shea, Eaton Vance's Chief Information Officer, to the Management Committee and the election of Lawrence L. Fahey, Director of Corporate Operations, as President of the Eaton Vance-sponsored U.S. Charitable Gift Trust, in which capacity he will replace Beale. Shea and Fahey will each retain their current responsibilities and will report to Cataldo. Laurie G. Hylton, CFO will serve as Treasurer on an interim basis while a search for Cataldo's replacement in that role is conducted. Beale first joined Eaton Vance in 1992 and has served as Chief Administrative Officer since 1999. In that capacity he oversees the firm's information technology, operations, mutual fund and dealer services, fund administration, human resources and facilities management.

09:17 EDT Kaman receives $17M Joint Programmable Fuze order - Kaman announced that its Aerospace segment received a contract modification in excess of $17M for the procurement of Joint Programmable Fuzes. The award is an additional order under Option 13 of Kaman's JPF contract with the U.S. Air Force. The modification increases the total value of Option 13 to more than $102M, all of which was in backlog at December 31.

09:15 EDT Long Blockchain Corporation trading resumes

09:10 EDT General Electric says 'no update' to upcoming board changes

09:07 EDT TEGNA, Sony announce multi-year distribution partnership - TEGNA (TGNA) and Sony Pictures Television (SNE) announced the two media companies have entered into an exclusive, multi-year distribution agreement for TEGNA's programming in the United States and internationally. Under the terms of the deal, SPT will distribute all TEGNA owned first-run programming, including the new series "Daily Blast Live", as well as future development. TEGNA and SPT have formed a powerful programming partnership to collectively launch shows to air on TEGNA stations, with the goal of increasing their national footprint in broadcast and cable. SPT will also act as the exclusive advertising sales representative for national barter and integrations, and will retain the right to market and promote the programs in all media.

09:05 EDT PTC announces launch of Material Exchange platform - PTC announced the launch of Material Exchange, an advanced filtering and material visualization platform, developed in collaboration with industry manufacturers, brands, Material Exchange Ventures AB, and the Footwear Distributors and Retailers of America, the footwear industry's business and trade association.

09:04 EDT Amazon Studios signs two-year overall deal with Sharon Horgan - Amazon Studios announced it has closed an exclusive two-year overall deal with Emmy-nominated writer and creator Sharon Horgan. In addition to her personal deal, Horgan and co-founder Clelia Mountford's entertainment company, Merman, also signed a first-look deal with Amazon Studios. Amazon Studios will get first-look rights to Merman concepts to which Horgan is attached and remake rights to Merman-produced television series.

09:03 EDT Mercer, Fuel50 form strategic alliance for cloud-based career pathing solution - Mercer, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Marsh & McLennan Companies, and Fuel50, the leading interactive, cloud-based career path solution, announced today that they have formed a strategic alliance bringing together Mercer's career framework methodology and consulting expertise with Fuel50's Career Pathing software to advance the future workforce. This alliance further enhances the Mercer Digital suite of offerings. According to Mercer's 2017 Global Talent Trends research, employees that report being energized at work are more than twice as likely to have clarity around promotion opportunities and have managers that coach and develop them. In changing times, this kind of support is difficult to provide without intelligent and responsive career pathing technology. Fuel50's Career Pathing solution enables employees to navigate career progression opportunities within their organization. This is done by providing a more intuitive assessment of employees' current skills and interests, providing talent-matched pathing as well as opportunities for career-growth experiences and job-openings in the organization, assisting hiring managers with talent planning, and incorporating workforce planning intelligence for employees and managers.

09:02 EDT MicroStrategy and Snowflake Computing announce partnership - Snowflake Computing and MicroStrategy announced a technology partnership to serve joint customers with a flexible and highly scalable cloud-built data warehouse, with modern business intelligence and predictive analytics applications.

09:02 EDT Exxon Mobil, MagnaBond collaborate on new well integrity evaluation technologies - ExxonMobil Upstream Research Company announced that it has signed a three-year joint development agreement with MagnaBond, LLC to develop new technologies that could enhance cost-effective evaluation of well cementing, casing and tubing. The agreement was facilitated by the Industry Technology Facilitator as part of its initiative to address challenges associated with well decommissioning activities such as plugging and abandonment. The new collaboration combines ExxonMobil's expertise in developing a wide range of inspection technologies and tools with MagnaBond's strengths in technology transfer and supply chain design from other industries.

09:00 EDT AWS selected by Comcast as preferred public cloud provider - Amazon Web Services, an Amazon.com company (AMZN) announced that Comcast Cable (CMCSA, CMCSK) has selected AWS as its preferred public cloud infrastructure provider. Comcast Cable will expand its use of AWS by migrating material workloads and building new applications on AWS.

08:57 EDT Long Blockchain Corp. enters into LOI with Stater Blockchain - Long Blockchain Corp. announced that it has entered into a letter-of-intent with Stater Blockchain, a technology company focused on developing and deploying globally scalable blockchain technology solutions in the financial markets. Stater's wholly-owned subsidiary, Stater Global Markets, is a Financial Conduct Authority, or FCA, regulated brokerage that facilitates market access across multiple instruments including spot FX, digital currency futures and contracts for difference, or CFDs. The letter-of-intent contemplates an all-stock transaction pursuant to which the company would form a wholly-owned subsidiary which would merge with and into Stater with Stater surviving as a wholly-owned subsidiary of the company. It is anticipated that the company would remain listed on the Nasdaq Capital Markets following the closing of the transaction. If the company is able to reach an agreement with Stater and the transaction is consummated, it is expected to complement its recently announced agreement to acquire 1,000 Antminer S9 mining rigs and 1,000 APW3++ PSUs.

08:52 EDT UnitedHealth says Tax Act to add $1.7B to 2018 earnings, cash flow - Says expects to invest $200M-$300M from tax cuts into the business. Sees $400M-$500M reduction in premiums from tax cut. Comments from Q4 earnings conference call.

08:50 EDT MGM Growth trading halted, news pending

08:45 EDT ESSA Pharma raises additional $4M from fund managed by Omega - ESSA Pharma announced that, further to its previously announced offering of equity securities, it has closed the second tranche of its brokered equity offering, raising an additional $4M from a fund managed by Omega Fund Management as well as the partial exercise by the Canadian agent of its over-allotment option for additional proceeds of approximately $1M. Together with the initial closing on January 9 of the brokered equity offering and concurrent non-brokered private placement, the Company has raised total gross proceeds of approximately $26M. Pursuant to the Offering, 14,500,000 common shares of the Company were issued, of which Omega acquired 9,300,000, representing approximately 8% of the issued and outstanding Common Shares, and Omega acquired 10,700,000 pre-funded common share purchase warrants of the Company. Assuming the exercise in full of the 10,700,000 Warrants and certain common share purchase warrants held by Omega prior to the Offering, Omega would own 22,303,029 Common Shares, representing approximately 17.6% of the issued and outstanding Common Shares, on a partially-diluted basis.

08:43 EDT Global Ship Lease announces extension of charter with CMA CGM - Global Ship Lease announced that it has agreed to an extension of its charter with CMA CGM for the GSL Tianjin, a 2005-built, 8,063 TEU containership. The vessel will be chartered for a period of eight to twelve months at a fixed rate of $11,900 per day, commencing in direct continuation from its current charter on January 26, 2018.

08:41 EDT Qualcomm announces plan for new $1B cost reduction program - As previously reported, Qualcomm (QCOM) sent a letter to its stockholders in connection with the company's 2018 Annual Meeting of Stockholders, in which the company urged stockholders to reject Broadcom's (AVGO) "dramatically undervalued" takeover proposal. In making its case to stockholders, Qualcomm stated: "We have a specific game plan and are committed to delivering $6.75 - $7.50 in Non-GAAP EPS by FY 2019 through: Continued growth in our core business, driven by our recent wins; A new $1 billion cost reduction program; Accretion from our NXP acquisition - or, alternatively, a large share repurchase; Resolution of current licensing disputes As is widely known, we are currently in litigation with Apple. What many stockholders do not realize is that we have binding long-term license agreements with Apple's contract manufacturers. But Apple has required its contract manufacturers to cease paying us despite these existing binding contracts. Apple now continues to utilize Qualcomm's intellectual property for its own profit without paying. In this litigation, Apple is seeking to avoid paying fair value for Qualcomm's intellectual property, rejecting terms that are well established in the industry. Apple has often used such litigation to try to renegotiate with its suppliers, and Qualcomm has taken legal action to enforce our contracts. While the legal process takes time, we believe we will successfully defend our licensing programs, as we have done in the past."

08:37 EDT On Track Innovations announces additional order of 10,000 cashless readers - On Track Innovations announces an additional order of 10,000 cashless readers from the US leader in Micro Market Technology, 365 Retail Markets. This comes after the successful delivery and installation of 5,000 advanced TRIO readers in 2017.

08:36 EDT MiMedx: First patients enrolled in Phase 3 clinical trial of AmnioFix Injectable - MiMedx Group announced the first patients have been randomized and enrolled in the pivotal Phase 3 Investigational New Drug clinical trial to assess the safety and efficacy of AmnioFix Injectable in patients with recalcitrant plantar fasciitis pain. Top-line results from this study are expected in the second half of 2019. Following the conclusion of this trial, MiMedx intends to file a Biologic License Application with the U.S. FDA for AmnioFix Injectable to treat moderate to severe plantar fasciitis pain that has failed conservative treatment for at least 30 days. The company projects the filing of the BLA related to plantar fasciitis will be in 2020.

08:35 EDT Long Blockchain Corporation trading halted, news pending

08:34 EDT Praxair expands hydrogen supply to Motiva Port Arthur, Texas refinery - Praxair, Inc. has expanded its long-term hydrogen supply agreement with Motiva Enterprises LLC. Under this new agreement, Praxair will increase the amount of hydrogen it supplies to Motiva's approximately 600,000 barrel per day refinery in Port Arthur, Texas. Motiva completed a hydrocracker and diesel hydrotreater capacity expansion in 2016, and this agreement secures the additional hydrogen required to support that expansion, as well as the ongoing needs of the refinery.

08:32 EDT Yum China sees one-time tax expense of approximately $160M in Q4 - Yum China Holdings is providing an estimate of its one-time tax expense for the fourth quarter 2017, impacted by the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017. Based on currently available information, Yum China estimates that the Tax Act will result in a one-time tax expense of approximately $160M for the fourth quarter, due to the repatriation tax and the re-valuation of deferred tax assets.

08:31 EDT OSI Systems signs 2-year contract to continue turnkey screening services - OSI Systems announced that, as a follow on to its existing contract, OSI Systems' Security division has signed a new two-year agreement with Servicio de Administracion Tributaria, Mexico's tax and customs authority, to continue providing security inspection services through a wide-ranging program utilizing cargo and vehicle screening systems throughout Mexico. "The anticipated sales from the new agreement are consistent with our expectations, which were reflected in the financial guidance for fiscal 2018 we previously provided," said OSI Systems' Chairman and CEO, Deepak Chopra. The agreement is for a value of up to $130M over a two-year period beginning January 14, 2018, subject to currency fluctuations and variation in scope. Pursuant to the agreement, the company will continue to operate a comprehensive x-ray screening program incorporating technology, staffing, systems integration, and maintenance support at sites throughout Mexico.

08:30 EDT Blackhawk trading resumes

08:30 EDT Eiger BioPharmaceuticals trading resumes

08:28 EDT RedHill Biopharma's Phase II study of Bekinda met primary endpoint - RedHill Biopharma announced top-line final results from the Phase II clinical study with BEKINDA 12 mg, or RHB-102, for the treatment of diarrhea-predominant irritable bowel syndrome, or IBS-D. An independent review and analysis of the final results, provided to the Company, confirmed that the Phase II study with BEKINDA 12 mg successfully met its primary endpoint, improving the primary efficacy outcome of stool consistency by an absolute difference of 20.7% vs. placebo. The final top-line results improve upon the previously announced top-line results. Results from the BEKINDA(R) Phase II study suggest that they compare favorably with previously reported efficacy outcome values from studies of Xifaxan and Viberz across all three efficacy endpoints. RedHill plans to meet with the FDA in the first half of 2018 to discuss the design for one or two pivotal Phase III studies with BEKINDA 12 mg for IBS-D.

08:25 EDT Krystal Biotech granted patent for herpes simplex viral vectors - Krystal Biotech announced that the United States Patent Office, or USPTO, has granted U.S. Patent No. 9,877,990 which covers compositions comprising herpes simplex viral, or HSV, vectors and methods of using the same for providing prophylactic, palliative or therapeutic relief of a wound, disorder or disease of the skin in a subject. The patent should appear in the Official Gazette, the official journal of the USPTO on January 30.

08:23 EDT Athenex receives 'positive' feedback from FDA on design of Oraxol clinical trial - Athenex announced that the FDA has provided positive feedback on the design of the currently ongoing Phase III Clinical Trial for Oraxol, an innovative oral formulation of paclitaxel combined with HM30181A. Specifically, the FDA indicated that if the study meets the primary endpoint with an acceptable Benefit/Risk profile, it could be adequate as a single comparative trial to support registration of Oraxol for a metastatic breast cancer indication in the United States. The Oraxol Phase III clinical study is a randomized controlled international clinical trial investigating the superiority of Oraxol over intravenous, or IV, paclitaxel in the treatment of patients with metastatic breast cancer. The primary endpoint is confirmed tumor response rate assessed by a blinded independent radiologic imaging analysis center using the RECIST Criteria, a generally accepted clinical response criteria for efficacy in tumor reduction. The study has a target sample size of 360 patients. The study has completed the first of two planned interim analyses. The second interim analysis based on 180 evaluable patients is planned for the middle of 2018. The positive US FDA feedback would allow an Oraxol US registration submission upon successful completion of this single Phase III study.

08:18 EDT TransMontaigne announces 1.5c increase in quarterly dividend to 77c - TransMontaigne Partners L.P. announced that it declared a distribution of 77c per unit for the period from October 1, 2017 through December 31, 2017, representing a 1.5c increase over the previous quarter. The distribution is payable on February 8, 2018 to unitholders of record on January 31, 2018.

08:11 EDT Presidio appoints Neil Johnston as CFO - Presidio announced that Neil Johnston has been appointed CFO effective immediately. Johnston will succeed Paul Fletcher, who has decided to retire after serving as the company's CFO since 2007. Fletcher will continue to serve in an advisory capacity to help ensure a smooth transition.

08:10 EDT Benitec Biopharma receives Orphan Drug Designation for BB-301 - Benitec Biopharma announced that the U.S.FDA has granted Orphan Drug Designation to BB-301 for the treatment of oculopharyngeal muscular dystrophy.

08:10 EDT NV5 Global acquires Butsko Utility Design - NV5 Global announced that it has acquired Butsko Utility Design, a leading provider of utility planning and design services. With annual revenues exceeding $5M, Butsko serves both public and private sector clients through its offices in Southern California and Washington. The acquisition was made with a combination of cash and stock and will be immediately accretive to NV5's earnings.

08:08 EDT Evoqua Water names Snehal Desai as Chief Growth Officer - Evoqua Water Technologies (AQUA) announced it has created a new Chief Growth Officer role focused on taking its organic and inorganic growth objectives to even higher levels. Snehal Desai, former global business director of the Dow Water & Process Solutions business (DWDP), has joined Evoqua as EVP and Chief Growth Officer. At Dow, Desai was responsible for developing and implementing the growth strategy for the business and leading approximately 1,700 employees worldwide. As Chief Growth Officer, Desai will oversee Evoqua Corporate Strategy, M&A, RD&E, Strategic Marketing, Corporate and Marketing Communications, Cross-Selling, and the Company's smart water efforts. He will report to Ron Keating, Evoqua CEO.

08:08 EDT Blackhawk to be acquired by Silver Lake, P2 Capital Partners for $3.5B - Blackhawk Network announced that Silver Lake, the global leader in technology investing, and P2 Capital Partners have agreed to acquire Blackhawk in an all-cash transaction for a total consideration of approximately $3.5 billion, which includes Blackhawk's debt. Under the terms of the agreement, Blackhawk stockholders will receive $45.25 per share in cash upon closing of the transaction, representing a premium of 24.0% over Blackhawk's closing share price of $36.50 on January 12, 2018 and a premium of 29.3% over the average closing share price during the 90 calendar days ended January 12, 2018. Blackhawk operates a leading physical and digital gift card and prepaid payments network with global scale, connecting more than 1,000 brands to over 244,000 retail distribution locations and online channels. Upon completion of the transaction Blackhawk will operate as a private company under the leadership of the current management team. Blackhawk's Board of Directors has unanimously approved the definitive merger agreement and recommends that stockholders vote in favor of the transaction. The definitive agreement has fully committed debt and equity financing, including an approximately $1.7 billion equity commitment from Silver Lake. P2 Capital Partners, which beneficially owns approximately 5.4% of Blackhawk's outstanding common stock, has committed to vote in favor of the proposed transaction.

08:07 EDT Mentor Capital: Cash investment in G Farma now at $1.8M - Mentor Capital announced that during January it has funded an additional $900,000 into G FarmaLabs bringing the ten month multi-investment total by Mentor into G Farma to $1.8M, which is in addition to an early and separate $600,000 stock transaction. "With Mentor's financial support, G Farma is now expanding its extraction and bottling business to conquer the California adult use market," according to G Farma founder, Ata Gonzalez. "We have a great relationship with Mentor Capital's executive team and I am honored that they have chosen again and again to ensure our growing brand has been and continues to be well-funded as we move into the exciting cannabis future."

08:06 EDT Innventure, Elanco announce strategic initiative - Innventure and Elanco Animal Health, a division of Eli Lilly and Company, announced a strategic initiative to explore the development of technologies for animal health. The collaboration builds upon Innventure's model, which identifies promising enterprise technologies and then develops and scales them in external startups. Following P&G, Elanco is the second company to enter into a strategic initiative with Innventure.

08:06 EDT Catasys annunces agreement with Cigna for OnTrak solution - Catasys (CATS) announced that it has entered into an agreement with Cigna Corporation (CI) for Catasys' OnTrak solution for certain members with anxiety, depression or substance use disorders. The first market is expected to launch in the first quarter of 2018. The agreement with Cigna marks the sixth national health plan that has signed a contract to provide Catasys' OnTrak solution to its members. The company has now signed 6 of the 8 largest health plans in the United States, and its OnTrak program is currently available in 19 states.

08:05 EDT Sonic reports financing transaction, incluind sale of series of securitized debt - Sonic announced that certain of its subsidiaries intend to complete a financing transaction, which will include the sale of a new series of securitized debt. The last financing occurred in May 2016 with the issuance of $425 million of 2016-1 Senior Secured Fixed Rate Notes, the repayment of approximately $268 million of the 2011-1 Senior Secured Fixed Rate Notes, and the refinancing of the 2011-1 Variable Funding Senior Secured Notes, Class A-1. Sonic's subsidiaries intend to issue approximately $170 million of new fixed rate notes. Sonic's subsidiaries also expect to reduce the capacity available under their securitized revolving credit facility of Series 2016-1 Variable Funding Senior Secured Notes, Class A-1 from $150 million to $100 million. The consummation of the offering is subject to market and other conditions and is anticipated to close in the second fiscal quarter of 2018. However, there can be no assurance that Sonic's subsidiaries will be able to successfully complete the financing transaction, either on the terms described or at all.

08:02 EDT Citi reports CET1 Capital ratio 12.3% at end of Q4 - Citigroup revenues of $17.3 billion in the fourth quarter 2017 increased 1%, driven by 2% aggregate growth in Global Consumer Banking and Institutional Clients Group, partially offset by a 13% decrease in Corporate / Other, primarily due to the continued wind-down of legacy assets. Citigroup's operating expenses remained largely unchanged at $10.1 billion in the fourth quarter 2017, as higher volume-related expenses and ongoing investments were offset by efficiency savings and the wind-down of legacy assets. Citigroup's end of period loans were $667 billion as of quarter end, up 7% from the prior year period. Excluding the impact of foreign exchange translation9, Citigroup's end of period loans grew 5%, as 7% aggregate growth in ICG and GCB was partially offset by the continued wind down of legacy assets in Corporate / Other. Citigroup's end of period deposits were $960 billion as of quarter end, up 3%. In constant dollars, Citigroup deposits were up 1%, as a 2% increase in ICG was slightly offset by a decline in Corporate / Other, and GCB remained largely unchanged. Citigroup's book value per share was $70.85 and tangible book value per share was $60.40, each at quarter end, representing 5% and 6% decreases, respectively, primarily reflecting the estimated impact of Tax Reform. At quarter end, Citigroup's Common Equity Tier 1 Capital ratio was 12.3%, down from 13.0% sequentially, driven primarily by the return of capital to common shareholders and the impact of Tax Reform. Citigroup's Supplementary Leverage Ratio for the fourth quarter 2017 was 6.7%, down from 7.1% sequentially, driven by a decrease in Tier 1 Capital as well as an increase in Total Leverage Exposure. During the fourth quarter 2017, Citigroup repurchased 74 million common shares and returned a total of $6.3 billion to common shareholders in the form of common share repurchases and dividends.

08:02 EDT GM sees non-cash write down of $7B in Q4 on reduced deferred tax asset value - General Motors said it sees a non-cash, non-economic deferred tax asset remeasurement of approximately $7B to be recorded as a special item for EPS diluted adjusted in Q4, resulting in estimated calendar year 2017 EPS diluted from continuing operations of approximately 20c. GM sees a lower statutory corporate tax rate beginning in 2018 and sees a positive impact on long-term cash tax position. Tax reform is "expected to be favorable for consumers and the industry," GM added in presentation slides regarding its view of the impact of tax reform.

08:01 EDT Citi CEO: Committed to returning at least $60B of capital

08:00 EDT Citi CEO: Q4 results reflect impact of 'significant' charge due to tax reform - Citi CEO Michael Corbat said, "While our fourth quarter results reflected the impact of a significant non-cash charge due to tax reform, the impact on our regulatory capital was much less significant. Tax reform does not change our capital return goals as we remain committed to returning at least $60 billion of capital in the current and next two CCAR cycles, subject to regulatory approval. Tax reform not only leads to higher net income and increased returns, but also serves to strengthen our capital generation capabilities going forward." "On an operating basis for the full year, we earned $15.8 billion in net income, which was nearly $1 billion more than 2016. And our earnings per share were $5.33, up 13% from 2016. We also made solid progress towards the targets we introduced during Investor Day in July. Revenue growth and strong expense management brought us to a full year Efficiency Ratio of 57.7%, an improvement of over 150 basis points from 2016. And our Return on Tangible Common Equity including and excluding DTA increased to 8.1% and 9.6%, respectively," Corbat concluded. For the full year 2017, Citigroup reported a net loss of $6.2 billion on revenues of $71.4 billion, compared to net income of $14.9 billion on revenues of $69.9 billion for the full year 2016. Excluding the impact of Tax Reform, Citigroup net income of $15.8 billion increased 6% compared to the prior year.

07:57 EDT Eiger BioPharmaceuticals trading halted, news pending

07:48 EDT Jacobs selected by BHP for engineering services for nickel sulphate facility - Jacobs Engineering Group (JEC) has been awarded an engineering services contract from BHP (BHP) for a new nickel sulphate facility located at the company's Kwinana Nickel Refinery in Western Australia. The new facility is being designed to produce 100,000 tonnes per annum of nickel sulphate hexahydrate, with the option to increase processing capacity to 200,000 tpa. At full capacity, the plant will process 44,000 tonnes of nickel powder and be the world's largest nickel sulphate facility. The nickel sulphate produced at the facility will be used in batteries. In addition to supporting the development of the new nickel sulphate facility, Jacobs is delivering engineering and consulting services to BHP across its portfolio of assets, including the South Flank Iron Ore Mine development project in Western Australia, which is subject to board approval.

07:38 EDT Trilogy Metals reports PFS results from UKMP in Alaska - Trilogy Metals announced additional in-fill drill results and provide a project update from its 2017 summer field program at the Arctic poly-metallic volcanogenic massive sulphide deposit, part of the Upper Kobuk Mineral Projects, or UKMP, located in the Ambler mining district of Northwest Alaska.. The 2017 Arctic field program included 785.2 meters of diamond drilling to collect representative sample material to conduct bulk ore sorting studies for the Arctic deposit. An additional 273.8 meters of sonic drilling was completed to collect geotechnical, hydrological, geothermal, and hydrogeological information for the tailings management facilities and waste rock dump for the project in support of the upcoming Pre-Feasibility Study, or PFS. The PFS results are anticipated to be released in Q1. Based on a cut-off grade of 0.5% CuEq, significant zones of high grade copper, zinc, lead, gold, and silver mineralization were intersected - including: AR17-0159 intersected four mineralized intervals; AR17-0160 intersected four mineralized intervals; AR17-0161 intersected two mineralized intervals; AR17-0162 intersected one mineralized interval; and AR17-0163 intersected one mineralized interval. The company addded "These results from large diameter drill holes continue to demonstrate that Arctic is an exceptional copper-zinc rich deposit. Further engineering and environmental work completed this summer will support completion of the Arctic Pre-feasibility Study by the end of Q1, 2018."

07:33 EDT MabVax Therapeutics provided update on business strategies - MabVax Therapeutics Holdings (MBVX) provided an update on its business strategy initiatives. In September 2017, MabVax announced its engagement with Greenhill & Co. (GHL) to serve as an advisor to assist the Company in exploring and evaluating strategic options with the goal of maximizing stockholder value. With the assistance of Greenhill, MabVax is currently in advanced discussions with a variety of interested parties for potential multiple transaction proposals as well as continuing to identify new opportunities. In parallel with the strategic initiatives efforts led by Greenhill & Co., MabVax continues to advance its Phase 1 clinical programs. The Company's lead product candidate, MVT-1075, a human antibody-based radioimmunotherapy product is currently being evaluated in a Phase 1 clinical trial for the treatment of pancreatic, colon and lung cancer. MabVax plans to continue its clinical development of MVT-1075 by completing additional cohorts of patients in a dose escalation safety trial to continue to assess the safety and response data for this treatment, and remains on track to report results in the Q1.Clinical development of MVT-5873, the Company's therapeutic product being evaluated in a Phase 1 clinical study in combination with gemcitabine and nab-paclitaxel in first line therapy for the treatment of newly diagnosed patients with pancreatic cancer, remains ongoing. The Company remains on track to announce interim safety and response data in the Q1.

07:32 EDT Ophthotech reports first patient enrolled in Phase 2b Zimura trial - Ophthotech Corporation said that the first patient has been enrolled in the Phase 2b randomized, double-masked, sham-controlled clinical trial assessing the efficacy and safety of Zimura, complement C5 inhibitor, in patients with autosomal recessive Stargardt disease. STGD1 is an inherited orphan retinal disease causing vision loss during childhood or adolescence. Currently there are no FDA or EMA approved treatment options available for patients with STGD1. Over 30 sites have been identified for this clinical trial, making it one of the largest interventional clinical trials for STGD1 to date. The scientific details of the Stargardt clinical trial will be presented at the 2018 Annual Meeting of the Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology in Honolulu, Hawaii. The Company expects to enroll approximately 120 patients in this trial and plans to use an anatomic endpoint, the mean rate of change in the area of ellipsoid zone defect as measured by en face spectral domain optical coherence tomography, as the primary endpoint, which will be assessed at 18 months. Initial top-line data is expected to be available in 2020. Ophthotech also announced that it has initiated an open-label Phase 2a clinical trial evaluating Zimura in combination with anti-vascular endothelial growth factor therapy for idiopathic polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy, an age-related retinal disease. Approximately 20 patients will be enrolled and treated for a duration of 9 months. Initial top-line data is expected to be available during the second half of 2019.

07:30 EDT Metropolitan Bank responds to erroneous reports in online articles - Metropolitan Bank Holding responded to erroneous statements contained in articles that have recently appeared in some online publications. The articles reported that the company's wholly owned subsidiary, Metropolitan Commercial Bank "has ceased all cryptocurrency-related international wires effective immediately" and that the Bank's actions were in response to an "incident of international fraud." As a matter of policy, the Bank does not accept cryptocurrency-related wire transfers from non-U.S. entities. This is a long-standing policy of the Bank and remains in effect today. Last week, the Bank sent out a reminder to customers of its policy against accepting cryptocurrency-related wire transfers from non-U.S. entities. This reminder to customers is not a new policy for the Bank and was not due to, nor did the Bank experience, any "incident of international fraud." The Bank's long-standing policy of not accepting cryptocurrency-related wire transfers from non-U.S. entities is part of its robust risk management program that is designed to ensure the safe and sound operations of the Bank in compliance with applicable laws, rules and guidance.

07:26 EDT Four Seasons Education declares cash dividend of 83c per ordinary share - Four Seasons Education announced that its Board of Directors has declared a cash dividend in an aggregate amount of $20M, or approximately 83c per ordinary share, approximately 42c per American Depositary Share, which is expected to be paid before February 8 to shareholders of record as of February 1.

07:17 EDT EnSync signs 20-year PPA with Polineasian Cultural Center - EnSync announced that it signed a 20-year power purchase agreement, or PPA, with the Polynesian Cultural Center, or PCC, for a 396-kilowatt photovoltaic and inverter system.The PPA will reduce the facility's kilowatt-hour rate, bringing an estimated savings of $43,000 in the first year alone to the Oahu tourism property in Laie, Hawaii.

07:15 EDT Microsemi: Product portfolio unaffected by Spectre and Meltdown vulnerabilities - Microsemi announced its products, including its field programmable gate arrays, are not affected by the recently identified security flaws associated with the use of x86 and ARM and a number of other processors. The announcement comes as security researchers recently revealed major computer chip vulnerabilities, called Spectre and Meltdown, in chips-affecting billions of devices globally.

07:12 EDT Cubic GATR satellite antenna system receives approval for full rate production - Cubic announced its Cubic Mission Solutions business division's GATR satellite antenna systems will proceed to Full Rate Production for the U.S. Army's Transportable Tactical Command Communications program. T2C2 was granted approval for FRP as a result of the T2C2 Full Rate Production Milestone review. The FRP decision will enable the Army's program office to procure and field Cubic's GATR satellite antenna systems to Army units.

07:11 EDT Antares announces Type A meeting scheduled with FDA on Feb. 21 for XYOSTED - Antares Pharma announced that a Type A meeting has been scheduled with the FDA on February 21, 2018 for XYOSTED, the company's investigational new drug for the treatment of testosterone deficiency. The request for a meeting was in response to the Complete Response Letter received by Antares regarding the New Drug Application for XYOSTED. The company intends to provide an update on the outcome of the Type A meeting following receipt of the FDA generated minutes, which are typically received within thirty days of the meeting.

07:10 EDT Trecora Resources reports Q4 production of Al Masane Al Kobra mine - Trecora Resources announced a progress report on the Al Masane Al Kobra Mining operations. Trecora owns 33.4% of AMAK, which is a Saudi Arabian joint stock company located in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Approximately 20,000 metric tons of Copper and Zinc concentrate sales occurred in the Q4 with corresponding FY17 concentrate sales of approximately 28,000 metric tons. December feed rates were close to 70 dry metric tons per hour, the highest level since the restart of the mine in January 2017. Plant mechanical availability currently stands at 90%, which is the highest since the restart. Additional sales of gold and silver dore are expected in the first quarter of 2018, with plans to commission Guyan Gold Project in the first half of 2019. The Life of Mine study for Al Masane Cu-Zn Mine, currently anticipated to be available by the end of the Q1will benefit from recent improvements to the geological model that are expected to increase both the confidence level of the mineral resources and life of mine.

07:08 EDT Magna to adopt new accounting for tooling and pre-production engineering - The company said, "As noted in our third quarter 2017 report, we will adopt the new revenue recognition standard and change the accounting for tooling and pre-production engineering beginning in 2018. The primary result of this change is a decrease in sales, substantially offset by a similar decrease in cost of goods sold. Our outlook also reflects this change in accounting. For comparative purposes, we expect the decrease in both sales and cost of goods sold for 2017 to be approximately $2.4 billion."

07:07 EDT Leap Therapeutics announces first patient dosed with TRX518 combination therapy - Leap Therapeutics (LPTX) announced that the first patient has been dosed in a Phase 1 clinical trial evaluating Leap's GITR agonist, TRX518, in combination with gemcitabine chemotherapy or in combination with KEYTRUDA or Opdivo, anti-PD-1 therapies marketed by Merck (MRK) or Bristol-Myers Squibb (BMY), respectively. The TRX518-003 study is a multipart study evaluating TRX518 as a monotherapy and in combination with gemcitabine, KEYTRUDA, or Opdivo in patients with advanced solid tumor malignancies.

07:04 EDT Capricor announces licensing of additional patent applications from Cedars-Sinai - Capricor Therapeutics announced that it has added seven new patent applications to its existing Exclusive License Agreements with Cedars-Sinai Medical Center for technologies related to cardiosphere-derived cells, or CDCs, and CDC-derived extracellular vesicles, including exosomes. The Exclusive License Agreements with Cedars-Sinai grant Capricor exclusive worldwide rights to commercially develop and market CDCs, which comprise Capricor's lead investigational cell therapy, CAP-1002, as well as CDC-derived exosomes, which comprise its lead investigational exosome-based therapy candidate, CAP-2003. The new patent applications expand the scope of the Exclusive License Agreements to enable Capricor to develop new therapeutic indications for its cellular and exosome therapies in Duchenne muscular dystrophy, ventricular tachyarrhythmia, cancer and age-related disorders.

07:03 EDT Bank of the Ozarks sees one-time income tax benefit of $49.8M in Q4 - As a result of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act that was enacted into law on December 22, 2017, the Bank revalued its net deferred tax liability position to reflect the reduction in its federal corporate income tax rate from 35% to 21%. This revaluation resulted in a one-time income tax benefit of approximately $49.8M, or 39c of diluted earnings per common share, for Q4.

07:02 EDT Foundation Medicine, Pfizer announce broad partnership agreement - Foundation Medicine (FMI) announced that the company has entered into a broad partnership with Pfizer (PFE). The partnership focuses on development, regulatory support and commercialization of companion diagnostics that will be included in updates to FoundationOne CDx. FoundationOne CDx is Foundation Medicine's FDA-approved comprehensive genomic profiling assay for all solid tumors that incorporates multiple companion diagnostics. Pfizer will also benefit from access to FoundationInsights, Foundation Medicine's data analytics platform, to facilitate novel biomarker discovery and to optimize clinical trial design. The unique combination of FoundationInsights and FoundationOne CDx will potentially enable Pfizer to leverage Foundation Medicine's platform technology to accelerate discovery and development of precision oncology therapeutics. Pfizer currently has 10 FDA-approved oncology medicines that treat a diverse array of solid tumors and hematologic malignancies. In addition, its oncology pipeline includes 17 assets in clinical development and 19 phase 3 studies. Concurrent with FDA approval, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services issued a preliminary National Coverage Determination for FoundationOne CDx. The draft NCD would provide coverage for FDA-approved companion diagnostic claims, as well as a pathway for additional coverage with evidence development in other solid tumor types. The final policy is expected to issue during the first quarter of 2018 following public comment on the preliminary NCD and an administrative period.

06:59 EDT USA Compression to buy compression business from Energy Transfer Partners - USA Compression Partners, LP (USAC), Energy Transfer Partners, L.P. (ETP) and Energy Transfer Equity, L.P. (ETE) announced a transaction valued at approximately $1.8B, providing for (i) the contribution of ETP's subsidiaries, CDM Resource Management LLC and CDM Environmental & Technical Services, to USAC and (ii) the cancellation of the incentive distribution rights in USAC and conversion of the general partner interest in USAC into a non-economic general partner interest. As part of the transaction, ETE will acquire the ownership interests in the general partner of USAC and approximately 12.5M USAC common units from USA Compression Holdings. The transaction is expected to be accretive to USAC's distributable cash flow in 2018. In addition, as discussed in more detail below, ETP's receipt of a special class of common equity that will not pay distributions for the first year will provide for increased USAC LP coverage, which is expected to be in excess of 1.0x in 2018 and increase over time. In addition, USAC's leverage is expected to decrease to mid-4x by the end of 2018. The transaction is also expected to strengthen ETP's balance sheet by allowing ETP to use the approximately $1.225B in cash proceeds that it will receive in connection with the transactions to reduce leverage. For 2018, CDM's EBITDA is estimated to be in the range of $160M - $170M, not including the benefit of synergies, which are expected to be at least $20M on a run-rate basis. Consistent with past practice, USAC expects to provide full-year 2018 guidance at the time of its fourth-quarter earnings call. The Contribution, the GP Acquisition and the IDR/GP Restructuring are expected to close during the first half of 2018, subject to customary closing conditions, including approval pursuant to the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act of 1976.

06:56 EDT USA Compression to buy compression business from Energy Transfer Partners

06:46 EDT Merck: Phase 3 KEYNOTE-189 trial met dual primary endpoints - Merck announced that the pivotal Phase 3 KEYNOTE-189 trial investigating KEYTRUDA, Merck's anti-PD-1 therapy, in combination with pemetrexed and cisplatin or carboplatin, for the first-line treatment of patients with metastatic non-squamous non-small cell lung cancer, met its dual primary endpoints of overall survival and progression-free survival. Based on an interim analysis conducted by the independent Data Monitoring Committee, treatment with KEYTRUDA in combination with pemetrexed plus platinum chemotherapy resulted in significantly longer OS and PFS than pemetrexed plus platinum chemotherapy alone. The safety profile of KEYTRUDA in this combination was consistent with that previously observed. "KEYNOTE-189 showed significant improvement in overall survival and progression-free survival for patients receiving KEYTRUDA in the first-line setting in combination with traditional chemotherapy, compared with those receiving chemotherapy alone," said Dr. Roger M. Perlmutter, president, Merck Research Laboratories. "We are deeply grateful to the KEYNOTE-189 patients and investigators for their important contributions to this landmark study, and we look forward to presenting the data in the near future."

06:39 EDT GE to take $6.2B charge in Q4 on insurance operations - GE announced that the comprehensive review and reserve testing for GE Capital's run-off insurance portfolio, North American Life & Health, will result in an after-tax GAAP charge of $6.2B for the fourth quarter of 2017, and GE Capital expects to make statutory reserve contributions of ~$15B over seven years. The Kansas Insurance Department, NALH's primary regulator, approved a phased contribution of ~$3B in 1Q'18 and ~$2B annually from 2019 through 2024. "As we disclosed during the company's second- and third-quarter earnings calls and further discussed during our November 13, 2017, investor presentation, earlier this year GE Capital initiated a comprehensive review of our insurance reserves with the assistance of leading outside experts," said John Flannery, chairman and CEO of GE. "This was a rigorous process involving complex factors and estimates relating primarily to long-term care policies written by primary insurance companies and reinsured by NALH." Flannery added, "The required contributions to the statutory reserve will be made by GE Capital, which has sufficient liquidity to do so. We have been taking ongoing actions to make GE Capital smaller and more focused while maintaining its key capabilities to support financing for GE Industrial products. These actions will also help restore GE Capital ratios to appropriate levels. At a time when we are moving forward as a company, a charge of this magnitude from a legacy insurance portfolio in run-off for more than a decade is deeply disappointing."

06:28 EDT JPMorgan reports December net credit losses 2.43% vs. 2.36% last month - Reports December 30-plus day delinquencies 1.20% vs. 1.22% last month.

06:20 EDT Shell announces redevelopment of Penguins field in U.K.'s North Sea - Royal Dutch Shell plc (RDS.A) yesterday announces a final investment decision on the redevelopment of the Penguins oil and gas field in the UK North Sea. The decision authorizes the construction of a floating production, storage and offloading vessel, the first new manned installation for Shell in the northern North Sea in almost 30 years. The redevelopment is an attractive opportunity with a competitive go-forward break-even price below $40 per barrel. The FPSO is expected to have a peak production of circa 45,000 boe/d. The Penguins field currently processes oil and gas using four existing drill centres tied back to the Brent Charlie platform. The redevelopment of the field, required when Brent Charlie ceases production will see an additional eight wells drilled, which will be tied back to the new FPSO vessel. Natural gas will be exported through the tie-in of existing subsea facilities and additional pipeline infrastructure. The Penguins field is in 165 metres of water, approximately 150 miles north east of the Shetland Islands. Discovered in 1974, the field was first developed in 2002 and is a joint venture between Shell and ExxonMobil (XOM). A joint venture-owned/Shell-operated Sevan 400 FPSO has been selected as the development option for the field. Oil will be transported via tanker to refineries and gas will be transported via the FLAGS pipeline to the St Fergus gas terminal in north-east Scotland.

06:17 EDT AutoNation sees benefit of about 80c-$1.10 per share in FY18 from tax reform - AutoNation announced that it expects a benefit of approximately $41M in Q4 of 2017, or approximately 45c per share, due to the recent tax reform bill and the one-time impact on its deferred tax liability. AutoNation also anticipates a benefit of approximately $75M to $100M, or approximately 80c-$1.10 per share, for the full year 2018, resulting from the decrease in the corporate federal tax rate. AutoNation will use the savings from tax reform to invest in its future and its employees, through enhancing its benefits programs, including launching an innovative cancer program to assist employees and family members who were recently diagnosed with cancer, and investing in progressive training programs that will allow its associates to better serve its customers and drive their career advancement. The company also plans to accelerate its brand extension strategy as well as further expand its Drive Pink initiatives.

06:17 EDT CVS Pharmacy pledges to end touchups of beauty images - CVS Pharmacy, the retail division of CVS Health, yesterday announced a commitment to create new standards for post-production alterations of beauty imagery it creates for stores, websites, social media and any marketing materials. As part of this initiative, transparency for beauty imagery that has been materially altered will be required by the end of 2020. The company also announced that it will introduce the "CVS Beauty Mark," a watermark that will be used to highlight imagery that has not been materially altered. For this initiative, materially altered is defined as changing or enhancing a person's shape, size, proportion, skin or eye color, wrinkles or any other individual characteristics. CVS Pharmacy will be working together with key brand partners and industry experts to develop specific guidelines in an effort to ensure consistency and transparency. This new initiative is being introduced in an effort to lead positive change around transparency in beauty as well as to allow customers to differentiate between authentic and materially altered imagery. The CVS Beauty Mark will start to appear on CVS Pharmacy-produced beauty imagery in 2018 with the goal of all images in the beauty sections of CVS Pharmacy stores reflecting transparency by the end of 2020. CVS Health has previously made significant changes in its retail stores with the health of its customers in mind, such as ending the sale of tobacco products, delivering healthier food options throughout CVS Pharmacy stores and committing to remove certain chemicals of concern from all store brand beauty and personal care items by 2019.

06:07 EDT BP to take charge of around $1.7B in Q4 for Deepwater Horizon claims - The Court Supervised Settlement Program established as part of the Deepwater Horizon class action settlement is winding down. BP now expects to take a post-tax non-operating charge of around $1.7B in its fourth quarter 2017 results for the remaining Business Economic Loss and other claims associated with the CSSP. The cash impact is expected to be spread over a multi-year period. The charge results primarily from significantly higher claims determinations issued by the CSSP in the fourth quarter and the continuing effect of the Fifth Circuit's adverse May 2017 ruling on the matching of revenues with expenses when evaluating BEL claims. Brian Gilvary, BP's CFO, said: "With the claims facility's work very nearly done, we now have better visibility into the remaining liability. The charge we are taking as a result is fully manageable within our existing financial framework, especially now that we have the company back into balance at $50 per barrel." Cash payments related to DWH in 2018 are now anticipated to be around $3B, as compared to the company's third-quarter estimate of just over $2B. BP will continue to vigorously appeal determinations of claims that it believes are non-compensable under the Plaintiffs' Steering Committee settlement agreement.

06:05 EDT Spectrum Brands to sell Global Battery & Lighting unit to Energizer for $2B cash - Spectrum Brands (SPB) announced that it has entered into a definitive agreement to sell its Global Battery and Lighting Business to Energizer Holdings (ENR) for $2B in cash. The company expects to use the net cash proceeds after tax and transaction costs to reduce debt, reinvest in its core businesses both organically and through bolt-on acquisitions, and repurchase shares. The transaction is expected to close prior to the end of calendar 2018, subject to customary closing conditions, including regulatory approvals. Spectrum Brands had previously announced on January 3, 2018 that it was exploring strategic alternatives for its Global Batteries & Appliances businesses. Spectrum Brands is actively marketing its Appliances business. No assurance can be given that any transaction will result from these efforts. The company does not intend to comment on or provide updates regarding the exploration of strategic options unless and until it determines that further disclosure is appropriate or required based on the then-current facts and circumstances.

06:03 EDT Spectrum Brands to sell battery business to Energizer for $2B in cash

06:02 EDT Correction: Energizer agrees to acquire Spectrum Batteries for $2B in cash

06:01 EDT Energizer agrees to acquire Spectrum Brands for $2B in cash

05:55 EDT Daqo New Energy appoints Longgen Zhang as CEO - Daqo New Energy announced the appointment of Longgen Zhang as the CEO and executive board member with immediate effect. Concurrently, Guangfu Xu, the company's Chairman and founder, has stepped down from his position as the acting CEO.

05:52 EDT Whitestone REIT signs total of 21,563 SF of new, renewal leases at AZ property - Whitestone REIT announces the signing of 21,563 total SF of new and renewal tenant leases in the first two weeks of January at its Market Street at DC Ranch property in Arizona. The renewal of Wells Fargo Advisors, the largest of the three tenants, will occupy 18,321 SF for the next five years. Pet Smart Grooming will be a new tenant occupying 1,879 SF, and K2 Development will be adding to its existing footprint and will now occupy 1,363 SF. The new tenants all fit with Whitestone's E-Commerce Resistant business model, continue the transformation of the Community Center, contribute to an increased Base Rent per Leased Square Foot of 13.8% since the Company's acquisition of the property in December of 2013, and bring total property occupancy to 92.6%.

05:46 EDT McDonald's: packaging coming from renewable, recycled, certified sources by 2025 - McDonald's announces goals to improve its packaging and help significantly reduce waste to positively impact the communities the company serves around the world. By 2025, 100% of McDonald's guest packaging will come from renewable, recycled, or certified sources with a preference for Forest Stewardship Council certification. Also by 2025, the company has set a goal to recycle guest packaging in 100 percent of McDonald's restaurants. McDonald's understands that recycling infrastructure, regulations and consumer behaviors vary city to city and country to country around the world, but it plans to be part of the solution and help influence powerful change. This expands upon McDonald's existing goal that by 2020, 100% of fiber-based packaging will come from recycled or certified sources where no deforestation occurs.

05:20 EDT Philip Morris announces voluntary delisting from Euronext Paris - Philip Morris International announced that following a comprehensive review of the trading volume, costs and administrative requirements related to its listing on Euronext Paris, it has decided to request the voluntary delisting of its shares from Euronext Paris. This request has been approved by the board of Euronext Paris SA. The delisting procedure will allow the PMI shares listed on Euronext Paris to be traded on the New York Stock Exchange, PMI's primary listing exchange.

05:11 EDT Novartis says new data reinforces superiority of Cosentyx vs. Stelara - Novartis announced results from the head-to-head CLARITY study demonstrating the superiority of Cosentyx compared to Stelara in delivering clear and almost clear skin in adults with moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis at 12 weeks. The study results show 66.5% and 72.3% of patients treated with Cosentyx achieved both co-primary endpoints PASI 90 and IGA mod 2011 0/1, respectively, compared to 47.9% and 55.4% patients, respectively, treated with Stelara. At Week 12, patients receiving Cosentyx had significantly greater PASI 100 responses compared to those taking Stelara. The study findings, which support previously presented data from the CLEAR study demonstrating the superiority of Cosentyx to Stelara in achieving sustained skin clearance at 52 weeks, were presented as an abstract today at the Winter Clinical Dermatology Conference in Hawaii.

05:07 EDT EXCO Resources files voluntary petitions for Chapter 11 reorganization - EXCO Resources announced that in order to facilitate a restructuring of its balance sheet, the company and certain of its subsidiaries have filed voluntary petitions for a court-supervised reorganization under Chapter 11 of the United States Bankruptcy Code in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of Texas. EXCO intends to operate in the ordinary course of business during the restructuring process. EXCO continues to engage in constructive discussions with its creditor constituencies regarding the terms of a financial restructuring plan. In conjunction with this process, EXCO will explore potential strategic alternatives to maximize value for the benefit of its stakeholders, including the marketing of the Company's assets, which may result in a sale of certain or substantially all of its assets under Section 363 of the Bankruptcy Code or as part of the plan of reorganization. EXCO has received a commitment of $250M in debtor-in-possession, or DIP, financing from certain of its existing lenders including Fairfax Financial Holdings Limited and its affiliates; Bluescape Resources Company LLC and its affiliates, including Cove Key Management; and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., and certain of its affiliates. The DIP financing, which is subject to court approval, is expected to refinance the company's existing Reserve-Based Credit Agreement and support the company's day-to-day operations during the restructuring process. The company intends to pay vendors in full for all goods and services provided after the filing date. In conjunction with the Chapter 11 process, the company has filed a number of customary motions with the Court seeking court authorization to support its operations, including the payment of employee wages, salaries and benefits. EXCO is also seeking court authorization to continue meeting its obligations to its royalty, working interest and joint interest billing partners as well as certain vendors. The Company expects to receive court approval for these requests shortly.