Stockwinners Market Radar for February 15, 2018 - Earnings, Upgrades downgrades, option trades, Best Stock Advisory Service

19:18 EDT Yamana Gold sees FY18 total gold equivalent production 1.013M ounces - Sees FY19 total gold equivalent production 1.084M ounces. Sees FY20 total gold equivalent production 1.149M ounces.

18:50 EDT Jeld-Wen receives unfavorable verdict in Steves & Sons lawsuit - JELD-WEN Holding announced that a jury in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia, Richmond Division, has returned a verdict in the lawsuit filed against its wholly owned subsidiary JELD-WEN, by Steves & Sons. The verdict was unfavorable to JELD-WEN with respect to Steves' claims that JELD-WEN's 2012 acquisition of CraftMaster violated Section 7 of the Clayton Act and that JELD-WEN breached the supply agreement between the parties. The verdict awards Steves $12,151,873 for past damages under both the Clayton Act and breach of contract claims and $46,480,581 in future lost profits under the Clayton Act claim. The Company expects that Steves will be required to elect to recover its past damages either under the Clayton Act claims or the contract claims, but not both. If a judgment is entered under the Clayton Act, any damages awarded will be trebled. In addition, if a judgment is entered under either theory in accordance with the verdict, Steves will be entitled to an award of attorneys fees. JELD-WEN's position is that, because future lost profits were awarded, Steves is not permitted to pursue its claim for divestiture of certain assets acquired in the CMI acquisition. The Company continues to believe that the facts underlying this dispute do not establish either a violation of the antitrust laws or a breach of contract. The Company notes that both before and after the CMI acquisition, the Antitrust Division of the Department of Justice reviewed the transaction and did not challenge it. JELD-WEN believes that multiple pretrial and trial rulings were erroneous and improperly limited the Company's defenses, and that judgment in accordance with the verdict would be improper for several reasons under applicable law. JELD-WEN intends to vigorously oppose entry of an adverse judgment, and to appeal any adverse judgment that may be entered. Accordingly, the Company does not believe that the ultimate outcome of this matter will have a material impact on its ability to operate in the ordinary course of business. JELD-WEN's claims against Steves and others related to misappropriation of trade secrets remain pending and are set for trial in April 2018.

18:49 EDT Kraft Heinz delivers over $1.7B of cumulative cost savings by end 2017 - Kraft Heinz said it successfully completed its North American Integration Program by the end of 2017, delivering over $1.7B of cumulative cost savings to the company, according to a regulatory filing ahead of the company's quarterly results release tomorrow. The company added that it has reduced its operating costs by more than 5% since the merger of Kraft and Heinz and has reduced working capital as a percent of net sales by 5.9 percentage points.

18:33 EDT New Mexico Court of Appeals affirms $178M verdict against FedEx - The New Mexico Court of Appeal has upheld a record $178M verdict against Fedex following a 2011 crash that killed a 22 year old mother and wife and her four year old daughter. The case was in the New Mexico Court of Appeals, Case No. A-1-CA-35001. The wreck critically injured the woman's 19 month old baby boy. Attorneys Jim Scherr and Sam Legate of Scherr Legate in El Paso, Texas, represent the surviving boy and his father. The fatal crash occurred in June of 2011 on Interstate 10 west of Las Cruces after midnight. A Fedex 22-wheel piggy-back tractor trailer was cruising at 62 miles per hour and took no evasive action to avoid the victims' disabled small pickup truck with flashing hazard and brake lights illuminated. The Fedex driver ignored another truck which had parked in the median -- with flashing lights -- to warn oncoming traffic.

18:03 EDT NRG Yield raises quarterly dividend 3.47% to 29.8c per share - NRG Yield announced that its board of directors declared a quarterly dividend on each of the company's Class A and Class C common stock of 29.8c per share payable on March 15, 2018 to shareholders of record as of March 1, 2018. This quarterly dividend represents $1.19 per share on an annualized basis, an increase of approximately 3.47% over the fourth quarter 2017 dividend of 28.8c per share.

17:35 EDT Google announces intent to acquire LogMeIn unit Xively - Google (GOOG,GOOGL) has announced that it has entered into an agreement to acquire Xively, a division of LogMeIn (LOGM) "By 2020, it's estimated that about 20 billion connected things will come online, and analytics and data storage in the cloud are now the cornerstone of any successful IoT solution. This acquisition, subject to closing conditions, will complement Google Cloud's effort to provide a fully managed IoT service that easily and securely connects, manages, and ingests data from globally dispersed devices. With the addition of Xively's robust, enterprise-ready IoT platform, we can accelerate our customers' timeline from IoT vision to product, as they look to build their connected business.Through this acquisition, Cloud IoT Core will gain deep IoT technology and engineering expertise, including Xively's advanced device management, messaging, and dashboard capabilities. Our customers will benefit from Xively's extensive feature set and flexible device management platform, paired with the security and scale of Google Cloud. With Google Cloud's deep leadership in data analytics and machine learning, our customers will also be uniquely positioned to build turnkey IoT solutions and focus on business value creation," said Google on its Cloud page. Reference Link

17:26 EDT Aegion sees FY18 adjusted EPS up 30% compared to FY17 - FY18 EPS increase view is due to a combination of strong backlog and continued strength in key markets, improved results from restructured operations and the anticipated favorable impact of the recent tax law changes

17:22 EDT On The Fly: After Hours Movers - UP AFTER EARNINGS: Sleep Number (SNBR), up 9.1%... Cloud Peak Energy (CLD), up 6.3%... Andeavor (ANDV), up 1.9%... Kimco Realty (KIM), up 1.9%... SS&C Technologies (SSNC), up 1.8%... DDR Corp. (DDR), up 1.4%. ALSO HIGHER: Tandem Diabetes (TNDM), up 7.9% after it and Rubin Medical reached an agreement for the distribution of insulin pump products in Scandinavia. DOWN AFTER EARNINGS: Cohu (COHU), down 17%... Arista Networks (ANET), down 16.5%... Cognex (CGNX), down 10.2%... Impinj (PI), down 9.3%... Allscripts (MDRX), down 9.2%... TrueCar (TRUE), down 5%... Flowserve (FLS), down 4.1%... Shake Shack (SHAK), down 2.4%. ALSO LOWER: Nano Dimension (NNDM), down 32.6% after it announced an ADS offering.

17:17 EDT Sleep Number CFO sees 25% effective tax rate going forward - FY17 tax rate was 28.5%. Comments from the company's Q4 earnings call.

17:14 EDT JANA Partners reports 7.3% stake in Jack in the Box - JANA Partners acquired the shares because it believes they are undervalued and represent an attractive investment opportunity. JANA has had discussions with the company regarding the company's capital structure, margins, capital allocation, franchise mix, and operations. JANA may have further discussions with the company.

17:05 EDT Imperva Chief Revenue Officer Mike Mooney resigns - Imperva announced that its Chief Revenue Officer, Mike Mooney, has decided to resign in order to pursue other interests. Mr. Mooney will remain with Imperva through February 23, 2018. The company has retained Heidrick & Struggles, a leading executive search firm, to assist in recruiting a permanent CRO.

17:02 EDT CBS says instituted costs cuts across the company in Q4

16:55 EDT Shares of Shake Shack fall after reporting Q4 results, guidance - Shares of Shake Shack are down over 2% in after-hours trading to $40.30 per share after reporting Q4 results and guidance.

16:46 EDT CBS says Apple has renewed 'Carpool Karaoke'

16:40 EDT Nu Skin sees FY18 adjusted effective tax rate approximately 34%-35%

16:38 EDT CBS reports Q4 Local Media revenue down 14% to $450M - Local Media revenues of $450M for the fourth quarter of 2017 decreased 14% from $526M for the same quarter in 2016, which benefited from record political advertising sales. Growth in retransmission revenues partially offset the decline. Local Media operating income for the fourth quarter of 2017 of $137M decreased 37% from $216M for the same prior-year period, primarily reflecting the decline in high-margin political advertising sales.

16:36 EDT CBS reports Q4 Cable Networks revenue up 9% to $547M - Cable Networks revenues of $547M for the fourth quarter of 2017 increased 9% from $501M for the same prior-year period, driven by higher revenues from the Showtime digital streaming subscription offering and growth from the licensing of Showtime content. Cable Networks operating income of $201M for the fourth quarter of 2017 decreased 8% to $219M for the same prior-year period, reflecting an increased investment in programming.

16:34 EDT Gabelli reports 5.71% stake in Blackhawk

16:32 EDT BlackLine, Ernst & Young LLP form alliance - Ernst & Young LLP and BlackLine have announced a new strategic alliance that will expand EY process automation capabilities and finance transformation services offered to clients to improve finance and accounting operations. BlackLine, a leading provider of enterprise-class financial automation software solutions, is working with EY to help companies govern and automate their finance and risk processes. This alliance is an extension of an existing collaboration between EY and BlackLine to help companies across industries automate their formerly manual and spreadsheet-driven processes and help finance transformation through BlackLine implementations.

16:31 EDT Sealed Air announces price increases for NA product care products - Sealed Air Corporation announced that it is implementing a price increase on products in its North American Product Care business. The increases will be effective April 1, 2018. The price adjustments are necessary because of increases in raw materials, freight, and other input costs. A 7% price increase will be applied to the following products: Bubble Wrap IB Film, Bubble Wrap Brand Air Cellular Products, Cell-Aire Packaging Foam and Laminate Products, Fill-Air Inflatables Film, FloWrap Film, Jiffy TuffGard Mailers, Jiffy ShurTuff Mailers, NewAir I.B. Film, PriorityWrap Bubble, Shrink Film Products and Materials, Specialty Foams Products and Materials, TempShield Reflective Foil Air Cellular Material, and Wonderfil Film. A 5% price increase will be applied to the following products: Consumable Paper for all Sealed Air Paper Systems, PriorityWrap Rigid Board, Custom Wrap Converted Paper, Kushion Kraft Converted Paper, Jiffylite Kraft Bubble Mailers, Jiffy Utility Mailers, Jiffy Padded Envelopes, Jiffy Rigi Bag Mailers, Korrvu Suspension & Retention, Macerated Pads, and Rapid Fill Automated Bags.

16:29 EDT Kayne Anderson announces merger of investment company, energy development unit - Kayne Anderson Energy Development Company to merge with and into Kayne Anderson MLP Investment Company in a non-taxable transactionThe Exchange ratio to be based on relative net asset value per share immediately prior to closing. Based on NAVs as of February 14th, KED stockholders would have received approximately 0.96 shares of KYN for each share of KED Kayne Anderson MLP Investment Company will change its name to Kayne Anderson MLP/Midstream Investment Company to reflect increased opportunities to invest in midstream energy corporations KYN intends to pay a distribution at its current annualized rate of $1.80 per share over the next 12 months. Once the Merger closes, KYN will convert from a quarterly to a monthly distribution schedule KYN expects to realize approximately $1.5 million of cost savings annually as a result of the Merger Kayne Anderson will establish new management fee waivers for KYN, providing substantial savings to stockholders as KYN's investments appreciate

16:28 EDT AquaVenture to acquire majority interest in desalination plant in Ghana - AquaVenture Holdings announced that it has entered into a binding agreement with Abengoa Water, S.L.U. to purchase a majority interest in a desalination plant in Accra, Ghana. The plant has the capacity to deliver approximately 18.5M gallons per day of potable water to Ghana Water Company Limited under a long-term, U.S. dollar denominated water purchase agreement. Political risk insurance is provided to the project lenders and project equity sponsors by Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency, a division of the World Bank. The facility has been operational since 2015 and, through its customer, supplies water to approximately 500,000 residents of Accra. The base purchase price for this interest is approximately $26M, subject to adjustment in accordance with the purchase agreement. Completion of the purchase, which is expected to occur by the end of the second quarter of 2018, is subject to the satisfaction of certain conditions precedent.

16:26 EDT E.W. Scripps initiates quarterly dividend of 5c per share - Payable on March 26. The dividend will be paid out of the company's surplus. This will mark the first time the company has paid a quarterly dividend since 2008.

16:22 EDT Continental Resources announces 2018 operating plan - In the Bakken, Continental Resources plans to average six operated drilling rigs throughout 2018 and drill approximately 142 gross operated wells. During the year the company plans to work down its inventory of drilled but not producing wells, and at year-end 2018, the company expects to have 120 gross operated Bakken wells in progress in various stages of completion, of which 44 gross wells will have been completed but waiting on first sales. In Oklahoma, Continental plans to operate an average of 15 drilling rigs during 2018, of which eight rigs will be in STACK targeting the Meramec and Woodford formations, and seven rigs will be in the SCOOP play primarily targeting the Springer and Woodford formations. Five of the SCOOP rigs will be focused on the Springer as the Company begins full-field development of this oil reservoir.

16:22 EDT Continental Resources sees 2019 production growth of 15%-20% - For 2019, the company currently expects production to grow 15% to 20% year over year with a capital budget of $2.5B-$2.8B while generating "significant free cash" flow comparable to 2018 projections.

16:20 EDT Continental Resources announces 2018 capital expenditures budget of $2.3B - Continental Resources announced a 2018 capital expenditures budget of $2.3B, which it says is focused on both free cash flow generation and annual production growth to approximately 285,000 to 300,000 Boe per day, with a 2018 exit rate of 305,000 to 315,000 Boe per day. Crude oil is projected to range between 57% and 60% of production throughout 2018, varying through the year due to the timing of large pad projects coming online. The 2018 capital budget is projected to generate $3.0B-$3.2B of cash flow from operations and $800M-$900M of free cash flow for full-year 2018 at $60 WTI and $3.00 Henry Hub. It added, "There are currently no oil hedges in place, allowing the Company to fully participate in the upside of oil prices. Natural gas is hedged in excess of 80% of production for the remainder of the year at an average price of $2.88."

16:18 EDT Nu Skin raises quarterly dividend to 36.5c from 36c per share - The quarterly dividend will be paid on March 14 to shareholders of record on Feb. 26.

16:17 EDT Healthcare Trust FY17 reports NOI up 33% from last year - NOI increased 33.0% to $421.8M for the year ended December 31, 2017, compared to $317.2M for the year ended December 31, 2016.

16:13 EDT TrueCar down 6.7% after reporting Q4 earnings, giving Q1, FY18 guidance

16:11 EDT Vicon delivers statewide surveillance solution in Mexico - Vicon Industries announced that it is working closely with the State of Sinaloa, Mexico to create a statewide surveillance network that unifies the systems of all of its metropolitan areas, including the cities of Culiacan, Mazatlan, Los Mochis and others. The new statewide initiative, built upon Valerus VMS software, will allow for greater coordination between all municipalities and their law enforcement agencies in their efforts to combat the influence of powerful drug cartels entrenched within the region. Valerus' 100% web-based and true open standards VMS software will provide the state with a more secure, responsive environment capable of providing a single-seat view of its entire security domain. A new, state-of-the-art facility in Culiacan, the state's capital, serves as a centralized coordination hub for security and life-safety operations at the city, municipal and state levels. Expansive video walls, recording servers and monitoring stations provide operators with access to all cameras within their respective domains, with the ability to share video across departments as necessary. There are currently over 1000 Vicon security cameras in Culiacan, along with 800 special license plate reading cameras custom developed by Vicon for this project. Ultimately, there will be approximately 4800 cameras in Culiacan alone, with thousands more across the other cities.

16:10 EDT VeriSign added $1.7M domain name registrations in Q4 to total 332.4M - VeriSign announced that the fourth quarter of 2017 closed with approximately 332.4 million domain name registrations across all top-level domains, an increase of approximately 1.7 million domain name registrations as of Dec. 31, 2017. The increase of approximately 1.7 million domain name registrations globally equates to a growth rate of 0.5% over the third quarter of 2017.1 Domain name registrations have grown by 0.9%, year over year.

16:08 EDT Ichor Holdings announces $50M stock repurchase program - Ichor Holding announced that its board of directors has authorized the repurchase of up to $50 million of the company's ordinary shares. Concurrent with the announcement of this program, the company has completed the refinancing of their existing term loans and revolving credit facility, with a new $175 million term loan and an expanded revolving credit facility of up to $125 million. The interest rates on both the new term loan and revolving credit facility have each been reduced by 25 basis points, with maturity extended from August 2020 to February 2023.

16:07 EDT Allscripts to sell OneContent business to Hyland - Allscripts has signed a definitive agreement to sell its OneContent business to Hyland Software. The deal is expected to close in Q2 once customary closing conditions are satisfied. Allscripts acquired the OneContent business in late 2017 through the acquisition of McKesson's EIS portfolio. Upon transaction close, the OneContent client base and associates will transition to Hyland. The two companies will operate independently until the deal closes.

16:04 EDT Viavi raises share repurchase authorization to $200M from $150M - Viavi Solutions announced that its Board of Directors has authorized the Company to increase its common stock repurchase program from up to $150M to up to $200M through open market or private transactions. The $50M increase in authorized repurchases is in addition to the $150M repurchase program announced by the Company in September 2016, under which approximately $12.6M is the remaining balance. The Board also extended the period during which repurchases can be made until September 30, 2019.

15:54 EDT Tutor Perini rises after said to be selected for Newark Airport expansion - KeyBanc said Tutor Perini was selected to provide oversight and construction for the Newark Airport expansion project, according to contacts. In late trading, Tutor Perini shares are up 47c, or 2.1%, to $23.05.

15:31 EDT Townsquare Media to acquire classic rock station WOUR-FM 96.9 - Townsquare Media announced that it has entered into an agreement to acquire classic rock station WOUR-FM 96.9 in Utica, NY from Galaxy Communications. In addition, pursuant to a Joint Sales Agreement, Townsquare will take over all sales efforts for the station effective immediately.

15:21 EDT Gabelli lowers stake in Tredegar to 17.42% from 18.44%

14:55 EDT Melvin Capital reports 5.3% passive stake in Carvana - Shares of Carvana are up 9.2% to $22.83 per share in afternoon trading.

14:37 EDT Telecom Italia says not involved in any anticompetitive behavior - Telecom Italia issued the following statement regarding the Italian Competition Authority's measure to launch an investigation into the main TLC operators, "TIM reiterates it has always operated in compliance with current regulations guaranteeing full collaboration with all sector Authorities and maximum transparency for its customers. TIM categorically rules out having engaged in any coordination of its commercial strategies with other operators, also in terms of the procedures and timing of compliance with Law 172/2017 which, moreover, requires the whole market to adopt monthly billing for fixed and mobile services by April 2018."

14:18 EDT Steven D. Lebowitz reports 6.1% passive stake in StarTek - In a regulatory filing, Steven D. Lebowitz disclosed a 6.1% stake in StarTek, representing 978,500 shares. The filing does not allow for activism.

13:51 EDT Renault seeks to renew Ghosn as Director, expresses confidence in Ghosn as CEO - The Group Renault Board of Directors, acting upon the recommendation of the Appointments and Governance Committee, has proposed the renewal of Carlos Ghosn's position as Director. This recommendation will be submitted at the Renault annual shareholders' meeting to be held on June 15. The Board of Directors recommends that the four years of the upcoming mandate of Mr. Carlos Ghosn focus on the three following priorities: 1- Oversee the strategic objectives of the "Drive the Future" plan ending in 2022; 2- Take decisive steps to make the Alliance irreversible; 3- Strengthen the succession plan at the head of Groupe Renault. While highlighting the exceptional results of the 2011-2016 "Drive the Change" plan and the outlook for the 2017-2022 "Drive the Future" strategic plan, the Board of Directors has renewed its confidence in Ghosn as Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Renault, and Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Alliance, the group added. Based on the recommendation of the Appointments and Governance Committee, assisted by an independent international firm hired to review internal and external candidates, Ghosn, with the support of the Board of Directors, has appointed Mr. Thierry Bollore as Chief Operating Officer, effective February 19, Renault added.

13:41 EDT EPA settles with Amazon for distributions of illegal pesticides - The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced an agreement with Amazon Services LLC to protect the public from the hazards posed by unregistered and misbranded pesticide products. The agreement settles allegations that Amazon committed nearly four thousand violations of the "Federal Insecticide, Fungicide and Rodenticide Act" - dating back to 2013 - for selling and distributing imported pesticide products that were not licensed for sale in the United States. Under the terms of the agreement, Amazon will develop an online training course on pesticide regulations and policies that EPA believes will significantly reduce the number of illegal pesticides available through the online marketplace. The training will be available to the public and online marketers in English, Spanish and Chinese. Successful completion of the training will be mandatory for all entities planning to sell pesticides on Amazon.com. Amazon will also pay an administrative penalty of $1,215,700 as part of the consent agreement and final order entered into by Amazon and EPA's Region 10 office in Seattle, Washington.

13:30 EDT lululemon founder Chip Wilson sells 2.75M shares - In a regulatory filing last night, it was disclosed that lululemon founder Dennis "Chip" Wilson sold a total of 2.75M shares of his stake in the company in separate transactions conducted from February 12 to February 14. The average prices for the shares sold by Wilson ranged from about $75.92 to $77.69, the filing shows.

13:12 EDT Steelhead Partners reports 5.3% passive stake in Layne Christensen - In a regulatory filing, Steelhead Partners disclosed a 5.3% stake in Layne Christensen, representing 1,109,658 shares. The filing does not allow for activism.

13:04 EDT Facebook to allow organizations, businesses to post in Community Help - Facebook says: "This past year people came to Facebook around some of the worst crises across the world to let their friends and family know they're safe, learn and share more about what's happening and help communities recover. In particular, many used Community Help to ask for and give help in times of crisis - everything from providing shelter, to rescuing people from flood waters and gathering and distributing clothing, food and water. Since launching it a year ago, people have posted over 750,000 comments and messages in Community Help for more than 500 different crises. Some of the crises where people used Community Help the most in 2017 include the flooding in Brazil, Hurricane Harvey in the US, the attack in Barcelona, the flooding in Mumbai and the earthquake in Central Mexico. But people helping people is only part of the solution. Organizations and businesses also play an integral role in responding to crises and helping communities rebuild. Starting today, organizations and businesses can post in Community Help, so that they can provide critical information and services for people to get the help they need in a crisis. Facebook is beginning to roll out the feature to Pages for organizations and businesses like Direct Relief, Lyft, Chase, Feeding America, International Medical Corps, The California Department of Forestry and Fire and Save the Children and will make the feature available to more in the coming weeks."

12:51 EDT AbbVie raises quarterly dividend 35%, authorizes $10B stock buyback - The board of directors of AbbVie increased the company's quarterly cash dividend by 35% from 71c per share to 96c per share and authorized a new $10B stock repurchase program. The cash dividend is payable May 15, 2018 to stockholders of record at the close of business on April 13, 2018. The stock repurchase program supersedes any existing repurchase authorizations. Purchases may be made from time to time in management's discretion. The stock repurchase authorization permits shares to be repurchased in open market or private transactions, has no time limit and may be discontinued at any time.

12:40 EDT AbbVie trading halted, news pending

12:09 EDT Visa CEO: Trump policies not a big deal 'directly,' but a big deal 'indirectly' - Says tax reform allows "trapped cash" overseas to come back to the U.S. Says tax reform and less regulation will have a "great" impact on the economy. Says Trump administration trying to drive down "shackles" of regulations for financial services companies. Says Trump policies not a big deal "directly" for company, but a big deal "indirectly."

12:04 EDT American Express reports January write-off rate 1.7% vs. 2.0% last month - Reports 30 days past due loans as a percentage of total 1.4% vs. 1.3% last month.

12:03 EDT Arrowhead treatment of alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency granted FDA orphan status - Arrowhead's treatment of alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency was granted FDA orphan status, according to a post to the agency's website. Reference Link

11:56 EDT Turkcell trading resumes

11:31 EDT Sonoco Products falls after headwinds in Protective Solutions - "Unfortunately, we were disappointed in results from our Protective Solutions and Display and Packaging segments, which are both facing significant market and operational headwinds. In Protective Solutions, we experienced a continued decline in volume in our automotive components business in the fourth quarter, while in our Display and Packaging segment inefficiencies and higher-than-expected operating costs associated with the accelerated ramp up of the new pack center continued to impact segment results. We are aggressively implementing operational changes to improve 2018 results in these businesses," said CEO Jack Sanders. Shares of Sonoco Products are down 3.3% in morning trading.

11:21 EDT Turkcell trading halted, news pending

11:09 EDT Dare Bioscience announces effective license, collaboration pact for SST-6007 - Dare Bioscience announced that it has met the funding requirement for obtaining an exclusive worldwide license to advance SST-6007, a potential treatment for Female Sexual Arousal Disorder, or FSAD. Dare announced a license and development agreement with Strategic Science & Technologies to develop SST-6007 earlier this week. Dare plans to pursue the 505(b)(2) regulatory pathway for SST-6007 in the U.S. and leverage the existing data and established safety profile of the Viagra brand. Dare anticipates commencing a Phase 2b clinical trial in the second half of 2018 utilizing the proceeds from the investment that closed today, the company stated.

11:04 EDT Kura provides update on Phase 2 Tipifarnib trial - Kura Oncology announced the presentation of updated preliminary results from its Phase 2 clinical trial of its lead product candidate, tipifarnib, in patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinomas with HRAS mutations. The results are being presented by Alan Ho, M.D., Ph.D., of Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center at the 2018 Multidisciplinary Head and Neck Cancers Symposium, taking place today in Scottsdale, Arizona. Nine patients with HRAS mutant HNSCC had been enrolled in the Phase 2 trial as of the February 8, 2018 data cutoff date. Five out of the six evaluable patients achieved a confirmed, partial response as defined by standard RECIST criteria for an overall response rate of 83%, including durable responses of more than 18 months in two patients. The sixth evaluable patient experienced tumor shrinkage and prolonged disease stabilization. Three additional patients were enrolled since the last update in October 2017, however, none of the three additional patients was evaluable as of the February 8th data cutoff date; two are off study and one was still too early for disease assessment. All patients joined the trial upon progression from at least one line of therapy, including chemotherapy, cetuximab or immune therapy, with patients having experienced a median of two prior therapies. Response rates for the three agents approved for treatment of HNSCC in the second line are in the range of 13-16%, with a median progression-free survival of approximately 2 months and a median overall survival of up to 7.5 months. Tipifarnib was generally well-tolerated in the trial. Adverse events observed are consistent with the known safety profile of tipifarnib. In September 2017, Kura announced that the Phase 2 trial in HRAS mutant HNSCC had achieved its primary efficacy endpoint prior to the completion of enrollment. The trial protocol required four confirmed, partial responses, per RECIST 1.1 criteria, out of 18 patients to meet its primary endpoint.

10:31 EDT Marriott says could return roughly $2.5B to shareholders in 2018 - Expects to grow worldwide rooms by 7% gross, 5.5%-6% net in 2018. Expects to further reduce charge-out rates as company harmonizes loyalty program terms. Expects to introduce new credit cards in 2018. Says hotel owners can expect more cost savings in 2018. Sees North America RevPar up 1%-2% for FY18. Expects mid-single digit RevPar growth in Asia Pacific, low-single digit growth in Caribbean & Latin America, mid-single digit growth in Europe. Sees RevPar flat in Middle East & Africa and growth of 3%-5% for international. Says bullish about future. Sees mid-single digit RevPar growth for Asia Pacific, Caribbean & Latin America and Europe segments for Q1. Sees RevPar flat for Middle East & Africa in Q1. Sees International RevPar up 3%-5%, global RevPar up 1%-3% in Q1. Sees FY18 revenue $3.535B-$3.62B, EPS $5.11-$5.34, adjusted EBITDA $3.315B-$3.42B under new revenue standard. Says outlook excludes P&L impact of Avendra spending, merger-related costs, and timing of centralized programs and services. Says outlook assumes no further asset sales. Says could return roughly $2.5B to shareholders in 2018. Comments taken from Q4 earnings conference call.

10:12 EDT Strategy Analytics: iPhone took 51% share of global smartphone revenues in Q4 - According to the latest research from Strategy Analytics, global smartphone revenues hit an all-time high of $120B during the fourth quarter of 2017. Apple captured a record 51% global smartphone revenue share, accounting for more than the rest of the entire industry combined. Linda Sui, Director at Strategy Analytics, said, "We estimate total global smartphone wholesale revenues grew 8% annually to reach an all-time high of $120B during Q4 2017. The smartphone industry's wholesale average selling price surged 18% annually from $255 in Q4 2016 to $300 in Q4 2017. The smartphone industry has managed to increase massively its pricing and revenues, despite a recent decrease in shipment volumes." Neil Mawston, Executive Director at Strategy Analytics, added, "We estimate Apple iPhone captured a record 51% share of all smartphone wholesale revenues worldwide in Q4 2017. Apple iPhone generated a huge $61B in the quarter, helped by solid demand for its premium X model, and Apple now accounts for more revenue than the rest of the entire global smartphone industry combined. Apple generated three times more smartphone revenue than nearest rival Samsung (SSNLF) and 7 times more than Huawei. Apple iPhone's average selling price is approaching $800 and almost three times higher than the overall industry average. Apple iPhone is an incredible money-making machine."

09:57 EDT U.S. Bancorp announces resolution finalizing legacy BSA/AML matters - U.S. Bancorp, parent company of U.S. Bank, announced that it has resolved previously disclosed matters related to its Bank Secrecy Act and Anti-Money Laundering compliance programs with the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Southern District of New York, the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency, the Federal Reserve Board and the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network. Under the resolution, the company will pay a total of $613M, reflecting the penalties assessed by each agency. The company has fully reserved for this resolution and, accordingly, there is no further financial impact. "Today's resolution finalizes legacy matters involving our AML compliance program. We regret and have accepted responsibility for the past deficiencies in our AML program. Our culture of ethics and integrity demands that we do better. One of U.S. Bank's key priorities is to maintain an exceptional AML program and we are confident in the strength of the program we have in place today," said Andy Cecere, President and CEO, U.S. Bank.

09:50 EDT Liberty Expedia Holdings (Series B) trading resumes

09:48 EDT Kraft Heinz lower ahead of night-before-earnings management slidecast - Kraft Heinz shares are lower after the company last night announced that it would release today after the close a management slidecast to update its progress since the 2015 merger of Kraft and Heinz. The company reports Q4 results tomorrow morning. JPMorgan analyst Ken Goldman, in a research note last night, said he cannot recall the last time a company put out a presentation the night before earnings. After speaking to the company, Goldman expects a pre-recorded video and audio presentation that features a number of different managers and/or stakeholders, designed to be "somewhat evergreen" and intended to put the company "in a very positive light." Based on conversations, the analyst believes the majority of investors seem to be interpreting the announcement negatively. Kraft Heinz's earnings "could be weak," and it is possible that the company has already been rejected by other potential takeover targets, Goldman tells investors in a research note. He would not be surprised, however, if the company's renewed public relations effort "were the precursor to a bid, not a reaction to a failed one." Kraft Heinz in early trading is down 99c to $70.94.

09:45 EDT Liberty Expedia Holdings (Series B) trading halted, volatility trading pause

09:37 EDT Kraft Heinz to release management slidecast ahead of Q4 results - Kraft Heinz last night announced that after the market closes today it will release a "management slidecast to update its progress since the 2015 merger of Kraft and Heinz." It added, "This narrated presentation will highlight key aspects of the company's operating model and detail its strategic priorities, opportunities and objectives going forward." Kraft Heinz reports Q4 results tomorrow, February 16.

09:31 EDT Airbus CEO says confident can work through glitches to make deliveries - Airbus CEO Tom Enders said he is confident the company can work through the glitch discovered with the Pratt &Whitney engines powering its A320 aircraft on "Bloomberg: Surveillance". "The guidance we've given the market on 2018 is dependent on, amongst other things, that our engine partners deliver the requisite engines," he said. "Yes, there is a new glitch that was discovered roughly a week ago. We are currently assessing the implications but this happens early in the year and I'm quite confident that we can work work through this and recover whatever needs to be recovered in terms of deliveries throughout the year." Reference Link

09:25 EDT Halliburton trading halted, news pending

09:20 EDT Sears reports Q4 comparable store sales down 15.6% - This is comprised of a decrease of 12.2% at Kmart and a decrease of 18.1% at Sears Domestic.

09:19 EDT Sears sees Q4 adjusted EBITDA improving versus last year

09:14 EDT Dunkin' Brands to repurchase $650M under accelerated share repurchase agreements - In a regulatory filing earlier, Dunkin' Brands (DNKN) disclosed that it entered into accelerated share repurchase agreements with each of Citibank (C) and JPMorgan Chase (JPM) to repurchase an aggregate of $650M of the company's common stock. The company will acquire the shares under the ASR agreements as part of its previously announced $650M share repurchase program, Dunkin' noted. Pursuant to the terms of the ASR agreements, on February 16, the company will make payments of $650M in the aggregate to the dealers and will receive an initial delivery of approximately 8,479,000 shares of the company's common stock in the aggregate from the dealers, which is approximately 80% of the total number of shares of the company's common stock expected to be repurchased under the ASR agreements. Final settlement of each ASR agreement is expected to be completed in August 2018, although the settlement may be accelerated at the dealer's option.

09:07 EDT Waste Connections says priority for cash is strategic M&A opportunities

09:02 EDT Air Products acquiring CO2 business ACP Europe - Air Products announced a definitive agreement to purchase ACP Europe SA, the largest independent carbon dioxide business in Continental Europe. The transaction will complement Air Products' European CO2 capabilities in core geographies where the company already provides industrial gases. Air Products supplies a portfolio of industrial gases across 13 European countries. ACP has more than 120 employees, four liquid CO2 production plants and two dry ice production locations across Europe. Closing of the transaction is conditional upon satisfaction of customary closing conditions and obtaining necessary regulatory approvals. Financial terms of the transaction are not being disclosed.

09:01 EDT BofA Merrill Lynch's CDB provided $4.53B in lending, investing in 2017 - Bank of America Merrill Lynch Community Development Banking provided $4.53B in loans, tax credit equity investments and other real estate development solutions in 2017. It deployed $3.04B in debt commitments and $1.49B in new equity investments to help build strong and healthy communities by financing affordable housing, charter schools, health care and economic development across the United States.

08:49 EDT Waste Connections sees FY18 volume growth flat to up 0.5%

08:46 EDT Fuel Tech awarded air pollution control orders totaling $4.3M - Fuel Tech announced the receipt of multiple air pollution control contracts from customers in the US and Europe. These awards have an aggregate value of approximately $4.3M. An order was received for two industrial units in the US which will utilize Fuel Tech's Selective Catalytic Reduction technology and aqueous ammonia feed systems. These units will be installed at a site that is currently operating Fuel Tech SCR systems. Equipment deliveries are scheduled for the third quarter of 2018. A second contract was received for two coal-fired boilers in Europe where new aqueous ammonia feed systems will replace existing equipment for units equipped with SCR technology. This project is an add-on to a project from 2017. The Fuel Tech scope includes engineering, equipment supply and installation. The units are scheduled for completion in the third and fourth quarters of 2018.

08:46 EDT Cryoport to provide DiscGenics with cold chain logistics for Phase 1/2 trial - Cryoport has been selected by DiscGenics to provide logistics support to its multicenter, first-in-human study to evaluate the safety and preliminary efficacy of IDCT, its allogeneic injectable cell therapy. Cryoport's logistics support services will include outbound logistics for DiscGenics' Clinical Phase 1/2 trial of IDCT to clinics in both the United States, and eventually Japan.

08:43 EDT Theravance Biopharma reports submission of Trelegy Ellipta study to EMA - Theravance Biopharma (TBPH) reported the submission of the IMPACT study data to the European Medicines Agency as part of a type II variation to support an expanded label for Trelegy Ellipta in Europe for the maintenance treatment of moderate to severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Trelegy Ellipta is the triple combination therapy of fluticasone furoate, umeclidinium, and vilanterol in a single Ellipta inhaler. If this latest submission is approved, the labeled indication for Trelegy Ellipta would include a wider population of patients with COPD who are at risk of an exacerbation and require triple therapy. Trelegy Ellipta is a product in which Theravance Biopharma has an economic interest in future payments that may be made by GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) or one of its affiliates pursuant to its agreements with Innoviva, formerly Theravance, Inc. Theravance Biopharma is entitled to receive an 85% economic interest in the royalties paid by GSK on worldwide net sales. Theravance Biopharma is not responsible for any costs related to Trelegy Ellipta.

08:40 EDT Waste Connections sees volume growth in 2H18 - Comments from Q4 earnings conference call.

08:38 EDT Noble Energy announces $750M share repurchase program - Noble Energy announced that its Board of Directors has authorized a $750M share repurchase program. In addition, the Company has executed an agreement to sell its deepwater Gulf of Mexico assets to Fieldwood Energy for a total value of $710M.

08:33 EDT UQM Technologies receives new order from Proterra for PowerPhase systems - UQM Technologies announced the receipt of a new order from Proterra for UQM's PowerPhase HD electric drive systems, to be manufactured and shipped in 2018. Proterra continues to build upon its leading-edge bus technology, utilizing the UQM electric powertrain system for orders in 2018. An increase in demand for Proterra vehicles signals the clear economic viability of the all-electric transit bus and is a sign of the rapidly expanding market for electric buses in North America.

08:32 EDT Riot Blockchain to acquire 3,800 S9 Bitcoin Miners - Riot Blockchain announced that it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire additional cryptocurrency mining equipment consisting of 3,800 Antminer S9 Bitcoin miners manufactured by Bitmain. The Antminer S9 is considered the world's most efficient ASIC cryptocurrency mining machine. The Company expects its total hashing power to be over 60 Petahash of SHA 256 Bitcoin mining computing power and 252 Gigahash of Scrypt for Litecoin mining following the Acquisition and the full deployment of all equipment. The closing of the Acquisition is subject to customary closing conditions and is expected to close on or before February 21, 2018.

08:24 EDT Computer Task Group acquires SOFT COMPANY - CTG announced it has acquired Paris-based SOFT COMPANY, an innovative consulting and engineering company with complementary expertise in both business and information systems. The all-cash transaction is valued at $16.5 million, not including potential future earnouts, for SOFT COMPANY's approximately $30 million in annualized revenue and approximately $3.5 million of cash and cash equivalents as of December 31, 2017. Soft Company is a profitable company, and excluding customary acquisition-related expenses, the transaction is expected to be immediately accretive to CTG's operating margin and earnings per share. CTG funded the purchase price of the acquisition through a combination of cash on hand and a drawdown of capital from the Company's recently expanded three-year revolving credit facility. The boards of directors of both companies unanimously approved the transaction, and the acquisition was not subject to any regulatory approvals.

08:21 EDT Thor Industries announces formation of 50/50 JV with Tourism Holdings - Thor Industries announced in a joint news release the formation of a 50/50 joint venture with Tourism Holdings, Ltd, an RV rental and sales operator. The joint venture, called TH2, is committed to bringing the full benefit of digital connectivity and the sharing economy to RV owners around the world. TH2 further announced that it has entered various agreements to acquire the following assets: "Roadtrippers, a leader in road trip planning; Roadtrippers Australasia, a provider of tourism and navigation services in Australia and New Zealand; Cosmos, a digital platform for RV customer relationship and fleet management, product pricing, and booking and rental management; Mighway, a leader in peer-to-peer RV rentals with operations in both New Zealand and the United States; and CamperMate, Australia and New Zealand's top camping App." Thor's initial investment in TH2 is expected to be approximately $50M. The transaction is subject to usual and customary closing conditions, and TH2 anticipates completion by the end of February 2018. Thor will reflect this joint venture using the equity method of accounting, beginning in the third quarter of fiscal year 2018. The results of this transaction are expected to have a minimal impact upon Thor's fiscal year 2018 earnings.

08:16 EDT Global Payments says leverage ratio 3.6 after $300M repatriation - Global Payments said on this morning's earnings conference call that its leverage ratio is 3.6 following the repatriation of $300M due to U.S. tax reform.

08:15 EDT Valeritas presents 'positive' findings from its MOTIV4CONTROL study - Valeritas Holdings announced it presented positive findings from its MOTIV4CONTROL study as a poster at The 11th International Conference on Advanced Technologies & Treatments for Diabetes, or ATTD, February 15 to 17, in Vienna, Austria. This retrospective study evaluated the safety and efficacy of a simple physician-driven insulin titration algorithm in adult patients diagnosed with T2D prescribed V-Go. Using four-point self-monitored blood glucose profiles, an algorithm recommended bolus up-or down-titration based on glucose readings. After four months of V-Go use, with insulin dose adjustments occurring predominantly during the first three weeks, an A1C target of 7.5% or lower was achieved in 67% of the study's fifteen participants. A mean significant A1C reduction of 1.6% was also observed with a significant decrease in the mean total daily dose of insulin. Hypoglycemia prevalence decreased from 23% at baseline to 7% of patients by month four. "This study demonstrates that V-Go, combined with a simplified insulin titration algorithm, can reduce A1C levels, insulin usage and the prevalence of hypoglycemia," said John Timberlake, President and CEO of Valeritas. "While we remain focused on growing our customer base in the U.S., we welcome opportunities such as at the ATTD to present our compelling clinical data to European audiences as we explore potential commercial partners to distribute V-Go in the region."

08:09 EDT Citius Pharmaceuticals enrolls first patient in Mino-Lok Phase 3 trial - Citius announced that the first patient was randomized into the Mino-Lok Phase 3 clinical trial for catheter related bacteremias at the Henry Ford Health System in Detroit, Michigan. When fully-recruited, it is planned that there will be 700 patients enrolled in 50 participating institutions, throughout the U.S. CRBSIs are some of the most difficult infections to treat, and are a leading cause of healthcare-associated infections with substantial morbidity and mortality. The primary endpoint for this study is the proportion of subjects who have Overall Success at the test of cure at week 8.

08:08 EDT Cognex board authorizes purchase of up to $150M of common stock - Cognex Corporation announced that the company's Board of Directors has authorized the purchase of up to $150M of Cognex common stock in open market transactions, subject to market conditions and other relevant factors. This new authorization will commence after Cognex completes an existing $100M repurchase program, of which approximately $45 million remains available.

08:06 EDT Anthem meets enrollment target for Oraxol KX-ORAX-001 Phase III clinical trial - Athenex announced that the enrollment of patients is on target for the company to be able to conduct a second interim analysis in the Oraxol KX-ORAX-001 Phase III clinical trial in the third quarter of 2018. Oraxol, an innovative development in the treatment of cancer, is a novel oral formulation of paclitaxel, a very effective and commonly used chemotherapy treatment for many cancers, combined with HM30181A. The Oraxol KX-ORAX-001 Phase III clinical trial is an international randomized controlled clinical trial comparing Oraxol monotherapy against intravenous, or IV, paclitaxel monotherapy in patients with metastatic breast cancer, with target sample size of 360 patients. The study is designed to show superiority of clinical efficacy of Oraxol over IV paclitaxel based on independently confirmed response rates. Athenex has already enrolled more than 180 patients and therefore expects the second interim analysis in Q3 of 2018.

08:03 EDT Dick's Sporting raises quarterly dividend 32% to 22.5c per share - The dividend is payable in cash on March 30 to stockholders of record at the close of business on March 9.

08:02 EDT Smith & Nephew announces data from ALLEVYN LIFE trial - Smith & Nephew announces the publication of a randomised controlled trial demonstrating that the addition of ALLEVYN LIFE, Smith & Nephew's leading multi-layer silicone adhesive foam dressing, to a standard care protocol significantly reduces the onset of pressure ulcers by 71% in elderly patients admitted to hospital for hip fracture. Published in the International Wound Journal, the RCT charts the experience of 359 fragile hip fracture patients aged 65 or over. These patients were randomly divided into two groups, with some receiving standard care and others receiving standard care with the addition of an ALLEVYN LIFE dressing applied to the sacrum. 15.4% of patients receiving standard care developed a pressure ulcer as opposed to only 4.5% of the group who received the same care with the addition of ALLEVYN LIFE resulting in a 71% reduction in pressure ulcer incidence. This new study adds to the growing body of evidence demonstrating the effectiveness of ALLEVYN LIFE in multi-component pressure ulcer prevention programmes1-5. Prophylactic dressings do not negate the need for thorough and regular skin assessment and should be used as part of a comprehensive pressure ulcer prevention protocol. ALLEVYN LIFE has been designed following observational ethnographic research with patients and clinicians to address unmet needs in wound management. The dressing has a five layer design incorporating a breathable top layer, hydrocellular foam, hyper-absorbent lock away core, masking layer, silicone gel adhesive layer and wide border. ALLEVYN LIFE Sacrum has a unique tail designed specifically for wounds in the sacral area and fits around the cleft, to help overcome common problems such as the dressing tenting.

08:01 EDT Alliance MMA names Ira Rainess as president, effective immediately - Alliance MMA announced that Ira S. Rainess has been appointed President of the company, effective immediately. For nearly 30 years, Rainess has focused on complex deal structuring and business development for high-profile clients such as NFL Hall of Famer Ray Lewis and Major League Baseball legend Cal Ripken, Jr.

07:49 EDT Oracle to acquire Zenedge, terms not disclosed - Oracle announced that it has signed an agreement to acquire Zenedge, which helps secure critical IT systems deployed via cloud, on-premise or hybrid hosting environments. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

07:45 EDT LyondellBasell to acquire A. Schulman for $2.25B

07:40 EDT Health Insurance Innovations says Texas Department of Insurance inquiry closed - Health Insurance Innovations disclosed in a regulatory filing last night that on September 15, 2016, the Texas Department of Insurance notified the company that the TDI had initiated an enforcement action to investigate alleged violations of advertising rules and licensing violations. TDI requested certain information, records and explanations from the company. The company fully cooperated with the investigation. On February 8, 2018, the TDI notified the company that it had closed the investigation effective February 2, 2018. The TDI verbally indicated that the inquiry has been coded as an "internal inquiry and review that resulted in a finding of 'no violation' with no disciplinary action taken." The matter is considered resolved without penalty or fine from the TDI.

07:35 EDT Axon receives orders for 12,000 TASER Smart Weapons - Axon received multiple orders for its TASER X26P and TASER X2 Smart Weapons. These orders were received in 4Q17 and 1Q18 and are expected to have shipped by the end of 1Q18. Significant orders from domestic agencies include Orlando Police Department with 800 X2s, TASER 60, Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department with 750 X26Ps, Broward County Sheriff's Office with 725 X2s, and Houston Police Department with 600 X2s.

07:32 EDT Financial Engines expands relationship with T. Rowe Price - Financial Engines (FNGN) announced it has significantly expanded its strategic relationship with global investment management organization T. Rowe Price (TROW) to now offer Financial Engines' full suite of advisory services and deliver an improved user experience to plan participants who have T. Rowe Price as their recordkeeper. Under the expanded agreement, Financial Engines can deliver its full suite of advisory services to T. Rowe Price plan sponsor clients.

07:31 EDT Celgene names John Weiland to board of directors - Celgene Corporation (CELG) announced the election of John Weiland to its Board of Directors. Weiland has over 30 years in the healthcare industry and was most recently the President and COO of C. R. Bard, with worldwide responsibility for all of Bard's business operations prior to it being acquired by Becton, Dickinson and Company (BDX) in December 2017.

07:29 EDT Concordia comments on CMA's ecision to close iInvestigation of fusidic acid - Concordia announced that the UK Competition and Markets Authority is closing its investigation related to Fusidic Acid eye drops. Fusidic Acid eye drops is a Concordia medicine used to treat conjunctivitis. The CMA notified Concordia in October 2016 that it was investigating some of the company's products over matters related to pricing. Fusidic Acid eye drops was one of those products.

07:20 EDT Aaron's reports Q4 SSS down 5.4% - Customer count on a same store basis was down 4.0% during the fourth quarter of 2017. Company-operated Aaron's stores had 983,000 customers at December 31, 2017, a 1.0% increase from 2016.

07:10 EDT Main Street makes new $27.2M portfolio investment in DMS HoldCo - Main Street recently made a new portfolio investment to facilitate the management led buyout of DMS Holdco, a provider of omni-channel direct marketing services. Main Street, along with a co-investor, partnered with the company's management team to facilitate the transaction, with Main Street funding $27.2M in a combination of first-lien, senior secured term debt and a direct equity investment. In addition, Main Street and its co-investor are providing DMS an undrawn credit facility to support its future growth initiatives and working capital needs. Headquartered in Portland, Oregon, and founded in 1982, DMS develops and executes end-to-end, omni-channel direct marketing services including strategy, creative design, direct mail production/fulfillment, and digital marketing to various end markets including the FinTech, banking, telecom and technology industries.

07:09 EDT Ritchie Bros. sells 3,800+ items for $40M+ in Houston, TX - This week Ritchie Bros. Auctioneers held its first Houston auction of 2018, selling 3,800+ equipment items over two days for $40M+.

07:07 EDT Group 1 Automotive raises quarterly dividend 4% to 26c per share - The dividend, which represents an increase of 4%, or 1c per share, from the third quarter of 2017, will be payable on March 15 to stockholders of record as of March 1.

07:06 EDT Gastar Exploration sees Q4 average production 6.9 MBoe/d - Q4 average production guidance is up from 5.9 MBoe/d in 4Q16 and 6.2 MBoe/d in 3Q17. Oil and condensate, NGLs and natural gas production as a percentage of total equivalent production volumes for 4Q17 is estimated to be approximately 49%, 23% and 28%, respectively.

07:05 EDT Gastar Exploration reports 68% increase in year-end 2017 proved reserves - Gastar Exploration's year-end 2017 proved reserves increased 68% to 42.9 MMBoe. Of the total year-end 2017 proved reserves, 42% were proved developed, compared to 51% at year-end 2016 and were comprised of 53% oil and condensate, 26% natural gas and 21% NGLs, compared to 54% oil and condensate, 25% natural gas and 21% NGLs for year-end 2016. PV-10 reserves increased 103% to $288.4M compared to 2016. Q4 preliminary production averaged approximately 6.9 MBoe/d and consisted of 72% liquids.

07:04 EDT TreeHouse plans to close Visalia, CA facility - TreeHouse Foods announced the intention to close its facility in Visalia, California by the end of the first quarter of 2019. The plant primarily produces pretzels and cereal snack mixes for the Baked Goods segment. Current pretzel production will be moved to other TreeHouse manufacturing facilities prior to the plant closure. The decision is consistent with the August 2017 announcement of TreeHouse 2020, the Company's restructuring program. TreeHouse 2020 is a multi-year plan to fully integrate the business and reduce its cost structure in order to invest in market-differentiated capabilities that will serve the rapidly evolving needs of its customers who are strategically focused and highly committed to their corporate brands. The closure, affecting approximately 294 employees, is being announced well in advance to provide employees with as much notice as possible and to ensure a seamless transition for customers. The costs to close the Visalia facility are expected to be approximately $21 million, of which approximately $8 million is expected to be in cash. Components of the charges include non-cash asset write-offs of approximately $13 million, employee-related costs of approximately $3 million, and other closure costs of approximately $5 million. The Company expects charges of approximately $0.28 per fully diluted share to be incurred in 2018.

07:01 EDT Global Payments announces partnership with HSBC Mexico - "We finished 2017 the way we started it: We generated double digit organic growth across our markets in the fourth quarter. 2017 was a terrific year by any measure, and we delivered the fastest rates of organic adjusted net revenue growth, margin enhancement and adjusted earnings per share growth in our history. We also furthered our strategic objectives to expand our presence in faster growth markets with our agreement today to create a new joint venture with HSBC in Mexico. The combination of our technology-enabled distribution with the continuing expansion of our faster growth geographic markets positions us well to continue our exceptional track record of market leading growth. Finally, we are pleased to raise our growth targets in light of the progress we have made in evolving our business mix over the last several years," said Global Payments CEO Jeff Sloan.

07:00 EDT Global Payments approves increasing share repurchase authorization to $600M - Global Payments' board of directors approved a dividend of 1c per share payable March 30 to shareholders of record as of March 16. The board also approved an increase to the company's existing share repurchase program authorization, raising the total available authorization to $600M.

06:57 EDT Brookfield raises dividend 7% to 15c per share - The Board declared a quarterly dividend of 15c per share, payable on March 29 to shareholders of record as at the close of business on February 28.

06:54 EDT US Foods sees FY18 CAPEX $250-$260M vs. $221M in FY17 - The company's adjusted effective tax rate for fiscal year 2018 is estimated to be approximately 25-26%.

06:53 EDT EU passenger car registrations up 7.1% in January - In January, demand for passenger cars in the European Union grew 7.1% compared to January last year - benefitting from a positive calendar effect. New car registrations amounted to 1,253,877 units during the first month of the year, reported the European Automobile Manufacturers Association. Nearly all major EU car markets posted growth, except for the United Kingdom, which saw car sales decline for the tenth consecutive month. Spain and Germany recorded the strongest gains, followed by Italy and France, according to the ACEA. Publicly traded automakers include Daimler AG (DDAIF), Fiat Chrysler (FCAU), Ford (F), General Motors (GM), Honda (HMC), Nissan (NSANY), Toyota (TM) and Volkswagen (VLKAY).

06:48 EDT Yandex sees 2018 ruble-based revenue 25%-30%, consensus $2.06B - Expects 2018 consolidated ruble-based revenue to grow 25%-30% vs. 2017. This outlook implies consolidation of Yandex.Taxi with Uber's operations in Russia and neighboring countries starting from February 7, 2018, but excludes the effect of potential deconsolidation of Yandex.Market. Expects Search and Portal ruble-based revenue to grow in the range of 18%-20% in the full year 2018 compared with 2017.

06:41 EDT EQT Corporation reports year-end proved reserves up 59% to 21.4 TCFE - EQT Corporation reported year-end 2017 proved reserves of 21.4 Tcfe, a 59% increase over 2016. This increase was primarily driven by acquisitions, which added 6.3 Tcfe of proved reserves. Excluding acquisitions, the company added an additional 2.2 Tcfe of proved reserves, which was 245% more than the production for the year. Proved developed reserves increased to 11.3 Tcfe, mainly as a result of completing 143 wells and acquiring an additional 678 wells during 2017. The company's 2017 proved undeveloped reserves totaled 10.1 Tcfe, a 52% increase over the previous year. This increase was due to the acquisition of core Marcellus acreage and the conversion of locations not previously classified as proved. Approximately 987 Bcfe of PUD reserves were converted to proved developed reserves, which partially offset the increase. During 2017, EQT invested $2.4B in production capital projects excluding Rice. This included $1.4B for well development.

06:36 EDT EQT Corporation sees Q1 total production 350-360 Bcfe - Sees Q1 liquids sales volume excluding ethane 3,230-3,250 Mbbls, total liquids sales volume 4,770-4,810 Mbbls. Sees Q1 adjusted operating cash flow $2.65B-$2.75B.

06:35 EDT Wyndham to sell European vacation rental business to Platinum Equity for $1.3B - Wyndham announced that it has entered into a definitive agreement for the sale of its European vacation rental business to Platinum Equity for approximately $1.3B. In conjunction with the sale, the European vacation rental business has entered into a 20-year agreement under which it will pay a royalty fee of 1% of net revenue to Wyndham's hotel business for the right to use the by Wyndham Vacation Rentals(R) endorser brand. The European vacation rentals operations will also participate as a redemption partner in the award-winning Wyndham Rewards loyalty program. Wyndham's industry-leading European vacation rental business is the largest manager of holiday rentals in Europe, with more than 110,000 units in over 600 destinations in more than 25 countries. The business operates more than two dozen local brands, including cottages.com, James Villa Holidays, Landal GreenParks, Novasol and Hoseasons. It generates approximately $750 million in annual revenue and approximately $130 million of EBITDA, including allocated costs. Wyndham Worldwide originally announced its intent to explore strategic alternatives for its European rental brands in August 2017, in conjunction with the Company's announcement of the planned separation of its hotel business from its vacation ownership and timeshare exchange businesses. The transaction is expected to close in the second quarter of 2018, subject to customary closing conditions including works council consultation.

06:32 EDT Airbus board to propose 2017 dividend of EUR1.50 per share, up 11% y/y - The Board of Directors will propose to the Annual General Meeting the payment of a 2017 dividend of EUR$ 1.50 per share on April 18, an 11% increase from EUR$ 1.35 per share in 2016. The date of record is April 17.

06:30 EDT Airbus sees FY18 EBIT adjusted up approximately 20% vs. FY17 - As the basis for its 2018 guidance, Airbus expects the world economy and air traffic to grow in line with prevailing independent forecasts, which assume no major disruptions. Airbus' 2018 earnings and Free Cash Flow guidance is based on a constant perimeter, before M&A. Airbus expects to deliver around 800 commercial aircraft, which depends on engine manufacturers meeting commitments. Based on around 800 deliveries: Compared to 2017 EBIT Adjusted of EURO$ 4,253 million, Airbus expects, before M&A: An increase in EBIT Adjusted of approximately 20 percent. IFRS 15 is expected to further increase EBIT Adjusted by an estimated EURO$ 0.1bn. 2017 Free Cash Flow before M&A and Customer Financing was EURO$ 2,949 million. Free Cash Flow is expected to be at a similar level as 2017, before M&A and Customer Financing.

06:24 EDT Nestle committed to L'Oreal stake, won't renew agreement with Bettencourt family

06:23 EDT Nestle says does not intend to increase stake in L'Oreal - Nestle (NSRGY) says: "Our shareholding in L'Oreal (LRLCY) continues to be an important investment for us and we remain committed to the company that has given us very good returns over the years. We have full confidence in L'Oreal's management and strategic direction. The shareholders agreement between Nestle and the Bettencourt family is due to expire on March 21, 2018. In order to maintain all available options for the benefit of Nestle's shareholders, the Board of Directors has decided not to renew this agreement. We do not intend to increase our stake in L'Oreal and are committed to maintaining our constructive relationship with the Bettencourt family."

06:22 EDT Synchrony reports January charge-off rate 4.98% vs. 4.94% last month - Reports January 30-plus day delinquency rate 3.11% vs. 302% last month.

06:17 EDT CommScope sees FY18 cash flow from operations greater than $600M

06:15 EDT Capital One reports January charge-offs 5.33% vs. 5.37% last month - Reports January 30-plus day performing delinquencies 4.11% vs. 4.01% last month.

06:14 EDT Precision Drilling says exited 2017 with 63 active rigs in the U.S. - Representing a 62% increase from where the company entered the year.

06:07 EDT Univar, Dow expand relationship to include UCON exclusive distribution rights - Univar (UNVR) announced today that it will expand its relationship with Dow Chemical (DWDP) to include exclusive distribution rights for UCON Fluids and Lubricants in North America. This authorization for Univar will complement an already long-standing relationship between Dow and ChemPoint.com, a technology-enabled sales and marketing organization that is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Univar.

05:53 EDT KBR awarded multi-year engineering services contract by Covestro - KBR announced it has been awarded a multiple year Master Engineering Services Agreement by Covestro LLC, a world-leading manufacturer of high-tech polymer materials for key industries. KBR will support ongoing project activities at Covestro's site in Baytown, TX and across Covestro's other North American facilities.

05:44 EDT McDonald's announces changes to Happy Meals - McDonald's announced an expanded commitment to families, supporting the company's long-term global growth plan by leveraging its reach to impact children's meals, access to reading, and keeping families together through Ronald McDonald House Charities. By 2022, McDonald's will make improvements to the Happy Meal menu across 120 markets to offer more balanced meals, simplify ingredients, continue to be transparent with Happy Meal nutrition information, reinforce responsible marketing to children, and leverage innovative marketing to help impact the purchase of foods and beverages that contain recommended food groups in Happy Meals. Using rigorous nutrition criteria grounded in science and nutrition policy, by the end of 2022, at least 50 percent or more of the Happy Meals listed on menus (restaurant menu boards, primary ordering screen of kiosks and owned mobile ordering applications) in each market will meet McDonald's new Global Happy Meal Nutrition Criteria of less than or equal to 600 calories; 10 percent of calories from saturated fat; 650mg sodium; and 10 percent of calories from added sugar. Currently, 28 percent of Happy Meal combinations offered on menu boards in 20 major markets meet these new nutrition criteria. To reach the goal of 50 percent or more, markets will add new menu offerings, reformulate or remove menu offerings from the Happy Meal section of the menu board. For example, last month McDonald's Italy introduced a new Happy Meal entree called the "Junior Chicken," a lean protein sandwich (grilled chicken). McDonald's Australia is currently exploring new vegetable and lean protein options and McDonald's France is looking at new vegetable offerings. As consumers' tastes and preferences continue to evolve, markets will prioritize Happy Meals and simplify ingredients by removing artificial flavors, added colors from artificial sources, and reducing artificial preservatives where feasible. The company has made a continuous effort to meet consumers' desire for easy access to nutrition information for menu items it serves with a goal of ensuring that nutrition information for Happy Meals is available and accessible through all McDonald's owned websites and mobile apps used for ordering where they exist. Customers in the U.S. will see accelerated changes to the Happy Meal menu this year. In June 2018, 100 percent of the meal combinations offered on Happy Meal menu boards in the U.S. will be 600 calories or fewer, and 100 percent of those meal combinations will be compliant with the new nutrition criteria for added sugar, saturated fat, and 78 percent compliant with the new sodium criteria. Listing only the following entree choices: Hamburger, 4-piece and 6-piece Chicken McNuggets. The Cheeseburger will only be available at a customer's request. Replacing the small French fries with kids-sized fries in the 6-piece Chicken McNugget meal, which decreases the calories and sodium in the fries serving by half. Reformulating chocolate milk to reduce the amount of added sugar. During this period, chocolate milk will no longer be listed on the Happy Meal menu, but will be available at a customer's request. Later this year, bottled water will be added as a featured beverage choice on Happy Meal menu boards. In December 2017, McDonald's USA completed the transition to Honest Kids Appley Ever After organic juice drink, which has 45 less calories and half the total sugar than the prior 100 percent apple juice served in the U.S. With these planned menu updates, there will be average reductions of 20 percent in calories, 50 percent in added sugars,13 percent in saturated fat and/or 17 percent in sodium, depending on the customer's specific meal selection. These reductions reflect the average nutrition data of U.S. Happy Meal offerings on the menu last year compared to those planned for later this year. Already, several of the Happy Meal combinations available on U.S. menu boards today meet the new nutrition criteria and will not be changing.

05:30 EDT Arbutus Biopharma enters exclusivity agreement with Roivant Sciences - Arbutus Biopharma announced that Arbutus and Roivant entered into an exclusivity agreement providing for a period that expires on March 15, 2018. Pursuant to the Exclusivity Agreement, during this period, Arbutus and Roivant agree to negotiate on an exclusive basis the terms and conditions of a proposal to jointly develop Arbutus' nucleic acid delivery platform based on its Lipid Nanoparticle, or LNP, technology and GalNAc technology, or collectively, Delivery Technologies, through a new company that would jointly own, manage, and develop the Delivery Technologies. There are no assurances that Arbutus and Roivant will reach an agreement regarding any such transaction or that any such transaction will be consummated.