Stockwinners Market Radar for March 14, 2018 - Earnings, Upgrades downgrades, option trades, Best Stock Advisory Service

21:04 EDT Toray Industries to acquire TenCate Advanced Composites for EUR930M - Toray Industries announced that on March 14, 2018, it reached an agreement with Koninklijke Ten Cate B.V. to purchase the entire share of its subsidiary TenCate Advanced Composites Holding B.V., a Dutch carbon fiber composite material manufacturer. Toray and KTC plan to sign without delay a share purchase agreement on this acquisition after completing discussions with the Works Council, as stipulated by Dutch laws. Reference Link

18:53 EDT Airbus, Leonardo awarded $3.7B contract from Qatar for 28 NH90 helicopters - Qatar has signed a contract for the purchase of 28 NH90 military helicopters, during DIMDEX, Qatar's biennial defence exhibition. The agreement, which includes 16 NH90s in tactical transport configuration and 12 NH90s in naval configuration, will support the country's plan to modernise their military helicopter fleet. As part of the plan, Qatar will receive 16 H125 light single-engine helicopters in training configuration for operation by the Qatar Armed Forces Air Academy. "We are honoured to support the Qatar Armed Forces through this strategic partnership", said Ben Bridge, Executive Vice President Global Business at Airbus Helicopters. "The NH90 is a modern and combat-proven asset that will meet Qatar's demanding operational requirements for decades to come, both in troop transport and naval missions. Our partnership on the new training academy will also strengthen the relationship between our countries by enabling the exchange of expertise and know-how in helicopter operations", he added. Leonardo will act as prime contractor for the programme management with the end customer and Airbus will be responsible for the final assembly and delivery of 16 NH90 TTH aircraft from its facility in Marignane, France while Leonardo will be responsible for final assembly and delivery of the 12 NH90 NFH helicopters from its Venice - Tessera facility in Northern Italy. Reference Link

18:32 EDT Medivir announces departure of CMO - Medivir AB announced that John Ohd, Chief Medical Officer at Medivir, has decided to leave the company. He will remain with Medivir until July 15, 2018. A recruitment process to find a new Chief Medical Officer will be initiated.

18:30 EDT Supervalu to sell 21 of its 38 Farm Fresh stores for $43M - SUPERVALU INC announced it has entered into three separate definitive agreements to sell 21 of its 38 Farm Fresh Food & Pharmacy stores for approximately $43 million in cash to three different retailers: Harris Teeter, Kroger Mid-Atlantic Division, and Food Lion. SUPERVALU is also continuing discussions and exploring potential transactions to sell the remaining Farm Fresh stores to current and prospective wholesale customers and certain Farm Fresh employees. The transactions, which were unanimously approved by SUPERVALU's board of directors, are currently expected to close in May 2018, subject to customary closing conditions. SUPERVALU is also working with a third party to liquidate the inventory at these Farm Fresh stores.

18:24 EDT PayPal CEO says digitization of cash is driving growth - Says 65% of consumers and 50% of revenue come from outside North America. Says every region, specifically Asia-Pacific, experiencing growth. Says Paypal (PYPL) will remain a payment option for shoppers on ebay (EBAY). Says has $7B of cash on balance sheet. Dan Schulman is speaking on CNBC.

18:01 EDT Celanese raises prices on acetyl intermediates by $150/MT - Celanese will increase list and off-list selling prices for acetyl intermediates products. The price increases will be effective April 1, 2018, or as contracts otherwise allow, and are incremental to any increases previously announced this year. Acetic Acid price is increased by $150/MT. Vinyl Acetate Monomer price is increased by $150/MT.

17:52 EDT Sierra Oncology jumps almost 10% after reporting abstract accepted for AACR - Sierra Oncology announced that late-breaking preclinical results for its Chk1 inhibitor, SRA737, have been accepted for presentation in a poster at the American Association of Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2018 being held in Chicago, Illinois from April 14-18. These data demonstrate that SRA737 is active as monotherapy in both CCNE1-driven cancer models and in cancer models resistant to poly ADP-ribose inhibitor therapy."Approximately 20% of high grade serous ovarian cancers harbor CCNE1 amplification. These tumors do not harbor BRCA mutations and are generally resistant to PARPi therapy and platinum-based chemotherapy, leaving these patients with limited treatment options. CCNE1 amplification is known to increase replication stress, making these tumors highly reliant on Chk1, a key regulator of the replication stress response, for survival," said Dr. Fiona Simpkins, Assistant Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology at The Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. "Consistent with this reliance on Chk1, we observed inhibition of tumor growth in an aggressive CCNE1-driven patient-derived xenograft. Interestingly, we found that SRA737 also demonstrates monotherapy activity in homologous recombination deficient tumor cells that have acquired resistance to either PARP inhibitors and/or platinum agents. These results reinforce that SRA737 is a promising drug candidate warranting clinical evaluation in these settings." The company recently announced that its ongoing monotherapy Phase 1/2 trial for SRA737 was being expanded to include an additional genetically-defined cohort, targeting enrollment of 20 patients with CCNE1-driven ovarian cancer. Beyond ovarian cancer, CCNE1 overexpression is prevalent across a number of tumor types under evaluation in Sierra's ongoing clinical development program, including non-small cell lung, colorectal, bladder, and cervical cancer. Sierra Oncology also recently announced an agreement with Janssen Research & Development for the supply of TESARO's ZEJULA , an orally administered PARPi, facilitating the initiation of a combination trial of SRA737 with niraparib in patients with prostate cancer expected in the fourth quarter of 2018. The trial is to be led by Professor Johann de Bono, Regius Professor of Cancer Research, Head of the Division of Clinical Studies and Professor in Experimental Cancer Medicine at The Institute of Cancer Research and The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust. Shares are up 9.7% or 23c to $2.60 per share.

17:47 EDT Erin Energy comments to media reports on Nigerian Oyo field operations - Erin Energy responded to recent media reports regarding its Oyo field operations, calling the articles 'inaccurate'. The company stated that "Most of the articles' content, which appeared in print and online, contained nearly identical text, indicating it was likely sourced from an unidentified third party. The articles erroneously contended that a Nigerian court had ordered the "take over" of the Oyo oil field. In fact, a party attempted to enforce a writ against certain Erin Energy equipment. The writ in question was based on a court order pertaining to parties unrelated to Erin Energy, and a Nigerian court has subsequently ruled that actions taken to enforce the writ against Erin Energy were an abuse of legal process".

17:39 EDT VIEX reduces stake in Babcock & Wilcox to 4.6% - As of March 14, VIEX ceased to be beneficial owners of more than 5% of the shares of Babcock & Wilcox.

17:36 EDT StoneMor Partners announces extension for filing form 10-K - StoneMor Partner announced that the Partnership will be filing a Form 12b-25, on March 19 to extend to April 2 the due date for filing its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2017. The Partnership noted that the time needed to complete the filing of its 2016 Form 10-K and the Form 10-Q reports for the first three quarters of 2017 had impacted the preparation of the 2017 Form 10-K.Mark Miller, Chief Financial Officer and Senior Vice President of StoneMor, stated, "Despite our best efforts, we were simply not able to complete the substantial work required to file the 2017 Form 10-K by its original deadline. We fully expect to be able to file our 10-K by the April 2, 2018 deadline."

17:17 EDT Churchill Downs director Harrington sells 35,000 shares of company stock - Churchill Downs director Daniel Harrington disclosed in a filing after the close of trading that he had sold 35,000 shares of company stock at an average price of $271.20 per share on March 13.

17:15 EDT Solid Biosciences Inc trading resumes

17:07 EDT Leap Therapeutics provides DKN-01 program update, presentations at AACR - Leap Therapeutics presented promising clinical data from the study evaluating DKN-01, Leap's anti-DKK1 monoclonal antibody, as a monotherapy in patients with advanced esophagogastric cancer. In addition, Leap announced that the first patient has been enrolled in the study evaluating DKN-01 in patients with gynecological cancers. Leap also announced two upcoming scientific presentations at the American Association for Cancer Research 2018 Annual Meeting. "The results of the DKN-01 monotherapy cohort demonstrate promising single agent activity in a very difficult to treat population of heterogeneous esophagogastric cancer. This data, in addition to the encouraging activity we have seen with DKN-01 in preclinical models and in patients in combination with chemotherapy, provides a strong foundation for our ongoing study in combination with the anti-PD-1 therapy Keytruda," commented Cynthia Sirard, MD, Vice President of Clinical Development for Leap.Additionally, Leap announced two poster session presentations at the AACR Annual Meeting, being held April 14 - 18.

17:02 EDT Socket Mobile reports final results of modified Dutch auction tender offer - Socket Mobile announced the final results of its "modified Dutch auction" self-tender offer for the purchase of up to 1,250,000 shares of its common stock, which expired on March 9. Socket Mobile accepted for payment an aggregate of 1,250,000 shares of its common stock at a purchase price of $3.90 per share, for an aggregate cost of approximately $4.9M, excluding fees and expenses relating to the tender offer. The total amount of shares purchased in the tender offer represents approximately 17.6% of Socket Mobile's shares issued and outstanding prior to completion of the purchase. As a result of the final outcome of the tender offer, Socket Mobile has approximately 5.9 million shares outstanding. The proration factor for the tender offer, after giving effect to the priority for odd lots, was approximately 87.46%.

16:57 EDT Aduro Biotech announces upcoming data presentations at AACR - Aduro Biotech announced three preclinical data presentations highlighting its STING and antibody product candidates will be delivered at the 2018 American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting taking place in Chicago, IL, April 14 through April. The presentations will include include intratumoral activation of STING with a synthetic cyclic dinucleotide elicits antitumor CD8 T-cell immunity that effectively combines with checkpoint inhibitors; Assessment of pharmacology and toxicology of anti-CTLA-4 antibody in non-human primates and evaluation of local anti-CTLA-4 application and preclinical pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics and safety of BION-1301, a first-in-class antibody targeting APRIL for the treatment of multiple myeloma.

16:49 EDT Solid Biosciences IGNITE DMD trial put on clinical hold by FDA - Solid Biosciences announced it has received notification from the FDA that IGNITE DMD, its Phase I/II clinical trial for SGT-001 microdystrophin gene transfer in Duchenne muscular dystrophy, or DMD, has been placed on clinical hold. IGNITE DMD is designed to assess the safety and efficacy of SGT-001 in ambulatory and non-ambulatory children and adolescents with DMD. The first patient dosed in the clinical trial was a non-ambulatory adolescent who received 5E13 vg/kg of SGT-001 on February 14. Several days after administration the patient was hospitalized due to laboratory findings that included a decrease in platelet count followed by a reduction in red blood cell count and evidence of complement activation. The patient showed no signs or symptoms of coagulopathy and no relevant changes from baseline in liver function tests. The patient responded well to medical treatment and is currently asymptomatic. All laboratory parameters have either improved or returned to normal, and he is continuing outpatient assessments per protocol. Solid reported the event to the FDA and, because it was unexpected, classified it as a suspected unexpected serious adverse reaction, or SUSAR. The FDA informed the company that the clinical hold was due to the event. Solid has halted enrollment and dosing in IGNITE DMD and is awaiting the formal clinical hold letter from the FDA to understand the requirements for resuming the clinical trial. Solid will work closely with the agency to resolve the clinical hold.

16:45 EDT Solid Biosciences Inc trading halted, news pending

16:36 EDT TransCanada places Cameron Access project in service - TransCanada announced its Cameron Access project has been placed into service in Southwest Louisiana, enhancing the company's ability to deliver North American-produced natural gas to high-value LNG export markets. Cameron Access involved improvements to existing pipeline, construction of a new compressor station and the addition of 27 miles of 36-inch diameter greenfield pipeline. Representing an investment of approximately $300 million, the pipeline is capable of transporting 800,000 dekatherms a day to the Cameron LNG export facility. The Cameron LNG export facility is currently under construction and scheduled to go into service at the end of 2019.

16:34 EDT Syros Pharmaceuticals to present new preclinical data on SY-1365 - Syros Pharmaceuticals announced that the company and its collaborators from the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute will present new preclinical data on SY-1365, a first-in-class selective cyclin-dependent kinase 7 inhibitor currently in a Phase 1 trial in patients with advanced solid tumors, at the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting taking place April 14-18, 2018 in Chicago. The data, which will be presented in both a poster discussion session and a poster session, show that SY-1365 has significant anti-tumor activity in multiple models of treatment-resistant ovarian cancer. The data also identify potential biomarkers of response to SY-1365. Syros plans to open expansion cohorts in mid-2018 in its ongoing Phase 1 trial to evaluate SY-1365 in patients with ovarian cancer, as well as to evaluate these potential biomarkers.

16:33 EDT The China Fund shareholder City of London Investment issues public letter - The China Fund shareholders City of London Investment Management, which has clients that are the beneficial owner of approximately 27.2% of the outstanding shares of common stock of The China Fund, issued a public letter to other CHN stockholders. The letter states, among other things: "(...) We are seeking your support on the enclosed BLUE proxy card (i) to elect two independent director nominees who will work to maximize the value of each stockholder's investment, and (ii) to terminate the investment advisory and management agreements with the Fund's investment advisor so the Fund can hire a replacement. WE ARE NOT PROPOSING LIQUIDATION - The Board is misleading you by saying that we plan to liquidate CHN. What we ARE proposing is to terminate the Fund's Manager, Allianz, an action the Board itself repeatedly attempted last summer. (...) The China Fund Board is using every means available to impede us from communicating with and providing information to stockholders by withholding crucial stockholder contact information. (...) Stockholders have a unique opportunity to strengthen the Fund through the election of our two highly-qualified independent nominees and the termination of the existing Manager (...) ."

16:31 EDT Information Services CEO says client demand continues to grow - CEO Michael P. Connors states: "Client demand continues to grow for all things digital, and with our progress in 2017, ISG is in an even stronger position to become the digital business partner of choice for our clients. Indeed, our digital client solutions are rapidly expanding, representing more than 40 percent of our total revenue in the fourth quarter. With our recurring revenues also continuing to expand, growing 22 percent for the year, we are creating a more profitable business mix that has helped increase our adjusted EBITDA margins (adjusted EBITDA divided by GAAP revenues) by 300 basis points for the year. ISG continues to grow both in importance and value with our clients, and that gives us great confidence in our growth prospects for 2018 and beyond."

16:30 EDT Proteostasis: FDA grants Orphan Drug Designation for PTI-428 in cystic fibrosis - Proteostasis Therapeutics announced that the U.S. FDA has granted Orphan Drug Designation for PTI-428, the company's cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator amplifier drug candidate.

16:26 EDT ION Geophysical announces 3D multi-client reimaging program offshore Australia - ION Geophysical announced a new 3D multi-client broadband reimaging program offshore Australia. The North Vulcan 3D multi-client reimaging program covers the northern part of the Vulcan sub-basin offshore northwest Australia in an area known for complex imaging challenges. The ~17,000 sq km program seamlessly integrates and reimages data from 15 vintage surveys using modern depth imaging. It builds on knowledge gained from ION's regional 2D WestraliaSPAN survey and incorporates additional geophysical insight and geological interpretation to create a superior new image and enhanced subsurface understanding.

16:23 EDT Image Sensing Systems CFO Richard Ehrich resigns - Image Sensing Systems announced that Richard Ehrich has resigned as its CFO. The board has appointed Todd Slawson as interim CFO.

16:20 EDT Tailored Brands sees FY18 Men's Wearhouse SSS up low-single digits - The Company expects comparable sales for Men's Wearhouse and Jos. A. Bank to be positive low-single-digits, Moores comparable sales to be flat-to-up slightly and K&G comparable sales to be flat-to-down slightly. Effective Tax Rate: The Company expects the effective tax rate to be approximately 25%. Capital Expenditures: The Company expects capital expenditures of approximately $100 million. Depreciation and Amortization: The Company expects depreciation and amortization of approximately $100 million. Real Estate: The Company expects approximately net 10 store closures in 2018 resulting from its continuous review of its real estate portfolio for opportunities to optimize its fleet as lease terms expire.

16:19 EDT Tailored Brands reports Q4 Men's Wearhouse SSS up 2.3% - Men's Wearhouse comparable sales increased 2.3%. Comparable sales for clothing increased primarily due to an increase in transactions, partially offset by a decrease in units per transaction, while average unit retail was flat. Comparable rental services revenue increased 2.1%, primarily reflecting an increase in rental units. Jos. A. Bank comparable sales increased 5.3% primarily due to an increase in transactions and units per transaction that more than offset a decrease in average unit retail. K&G comparable sales decreased 1.7% primarily due to lower transactions partially offset by an increase in units per transaction, while average unit retail was flat. Moores comparable sales decreased 1.4% primarily due to a decrease in average unit retail partially offset by an increase in transactions, while units per transaction were flat.

16:19 EDT Esco Technologies acquires Manta Test System - ESCO Technologies announced that it has acquired the assets of Manta Test System, a North American utility solutions provider located in Mississauga, Ontario, Canada. Manta's solutions are sold in the United States and Canada to service companies and electrical utilities with generation, transmission, and distribution assets. Manta has annualized sales of approximately $8M. The terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

16:17 EDT Novavax appoints John Trizzino as CBO, CFO - Novavax announced the promotion of John Trizzino to senior VP, Chief Business Officer and Chief Financial Officer. Trizzino has been serving as senior VP, Commercial Operations, since 2014. As CBO at Novavax, he is now responsible for all pre-commercial and commercial launch strategy and execution as well as public relations. As CFO, he is now responsible for financial reporting, corporate funding, and investor relations.

16:13 EDT Papa Murphy's sees FY18 domestic SSS growth flat to low single digits

16:12 EDT Papa Murphy's sees low single digit domestic SSS decline in Q1

16:11 EDT Papa Murphy's reports domestic system comparable store sales decrease of 2.6% - Domestic system comparable store sales decreased 2.6% compared to Q4 of 2016 on a comparable 13-week basis, including a 2.3% decline at company-owned stores.

16:07 EDT Sportsman's Warehouse CEO Schaefer to retire, COO Barker to replace - Sportsman's Warehouse announced the retirement of its CEO, John Schaefer. Schaefer also resigned as a member of the Board of Directors. Mr. Jon Barker, the company's President and COO, has been appointed as the company's CEO and has also been appointed to the Board of Directors to fill the vacancy created by Mr. Schaefer's retirement.

15:07 EDT Valeant move higher amid debt offering, insider buying - Shares of specialty pharmacy company Valeant (VRX) are higher this afternoon amid a relatively weak market backdrop. DEBT OFFERING; On March 12, Valeant announced a private offering of $1.25B aggregate principal amount of unsecured senior notes due 2026. The proceeds of the newest offering will help fund the repurchase of $1.25B of outstanding debt, including its 6.375% Senior Notes due 2020, 5.375% Senior Notes due 2020 and up to $100M of its 6.750% Senior Notes due 2021. Wells Fargo analyst David Maris said earlier this week that less than two weeks after filing a shelf offering, Valeant Pharmaceuticals launched a $1.25B offering of unsecured senior notes due 2026. Based on discussions with his firm's high yield debt analyst, Maris estimates the debt likely has a 9%-plus coupon. Valeant is looking to push out 2020 maturities, which may be reflective of its business outlook for the period between now and maturity, Maris told investors earlier in the week. INSIDER BUYING: In a regulatory filing after the close of trading Tuesday night, Valeant chairman and CEO Joseph Papa disclosed the purchase of 30,000 common shares of the company at a price of $16.05 per share. EARNINGS: Late in February, Valeant reported adjusted EBITDA was $875M for Q4, as compared to $1.047B for Q4 of 2016, a decrease of $172M. Revenue for Q4 was $2.16B, just below forecasts for $2.2B. Unfortunately, Valeant also said it expects sales of $8.1B-$8.3B in 2018, below the $8.37B consensus. Shares of the drug maker dropped precipitously after the recent earnings report. ANALYSTS ON EARNINGS: Soon after Valeant's Q4 results, Wells Fargo analyst David Maris said Valeant reported "weak" Q4 results, noting that when adjusted for divestitures, two of the company's three business units showed revenue declines and the third, B&L/International, had a slowdown from Q3 to "only" 4% growth. Valeant didn't give an adjusted EPS figure, but he calculates its Q4 adjusted EPS at 98c, compared to his 99c estimate and consensus of 97c. Maris, who said at the time, he does not see "the stabilization, the turnaround, or the transformation Valeant mentions in its earnings presentation." Maris kept an Underperform rating on the stock. PRICE ACTION: Shares of Valeant are up 5.7% to $16.99 per share in late-day trading.

15:03 EDT MGM Resorts expands board appoints Carnival executive Jan Swartz - MGM Resorts International (MGM) announced it has appointed Jan Swartz to the company's board, which is now comprised of 12 members. Swartz is Group President, Princess Cruises and Carnival Australia at Carnival (CCL). "Ms. Swartz's vast experience in sales and marketing and international expansion will bring important insights to our business priorities. Jan and Princess Cruises created the international cruise category in Japan and created Carnival Japan, a Tokyo based marketing unit. More recently, Jan oversaw the launch of the Majestic Princess, a cruise ship specifically developed for Chinese guests," said Jim Murren, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of MGM Resorts. "Jan has also been instrumental in developing Carnival's innovative digital tools and enhanced guest experiences. We are very pleased to welcome Jan to the MGM Resorts Board."

14:29 EDT Stepan exec Pacholec sells 6,000 common shares - In a regulatory filing, Stepan vice president, strategy Frank Pacholec disclosed the sale of 6,000 common shares of the company at a price of $86.524 per share.

14:16 EDT NJ reports February gaming revenue down 6.5% to $192.1M - New Jersey's Division of Gaming Enforcement reported that casino win from the industry for February was $170.1M, compared to $186.6M in February 2017, reflecting an 8.9% decrease. Internet gaming win was $22.0M in February, compared to $18.7M in the prior period, reflecting an increase of 17.5%. The industry's total gaming win for the month was $192.1M, compared to $205.4M for February 2017, reflecting a 6.5% decrease. Publicly traded companies in the space include Boyd Gaming (BYD), Caesars (CZR), Las Vegas Sands (LVS), MGM Resorts (MGM), Penn National (PENN) and Wynn Resorts (WYNN).

14:00 EDT Rush Enterprises increases stock repurchase program by $35M - Rush Enterprises announced that its board approved an increase of $35M to its existing stock repurchase program authorizing the company to repurchase, from time to time, up to an aggregate of $75M of its shares of Class A common stock, 1c par value per share, and/or Class B common stock, 1c par value per share. This increase follows the company nearing the original authorization limit of $40M. "We see further opportunities to enhance shareholder value through this $35M increase to our stock repurchase program, which reflects our continued confidence in the company's strategic plan and future growth opportunities," said CEO W.M. "Rusty" Rush.

13:50 EDT Altair CEO believes simulation offers 'great ROIs' -

13:45 EDT Altair CEO Scapa says will continue developing products through acquisitions

13:34 EDT PlayAGS Inc trading halted, news pending

12:39 EDT Phoenix Holdings reports 5.05% passive stake in Caesarstone

12:31 EDT Reven Housing announces $500,000 share repurchase program - Reven Housing REIT announced that its board of directors has authorized the company to repurchase up to $500,000 of its own shares. The repurchase program will commence following the filing of the company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2017 later this month and the authorization extends through December 31, 2018; repurchases will be made in accordance with applicable securities laws from time to time in the open market depending on market conditions. The repurchases will be made in compliance with the SEC's Rule 10b-18 subject to market conditions, available liquidity, cash flow, applicable legal requirements and other factors. The program does not obligate Reven Housing to acquire any amount of common stock and the program may be suspended or discontinued at any time. Reven expects to finance the repurchases with existing cash balances.

12:16 EDT Bel Fuse trading resumes

12:09 EDT adidas rises after buyback, profit forecast beat - Shares of adidas (ADDYY) are on the rise after the company announced that it will initiate a share buyback program following its updated long-term outlook. RESULTS, OUTLOOK: adidas' revenue jumped 12% in the fourth quarter, led by China and North America and helped by a growing popularity of its retro sneakers. For its two brands, adidas and Reebok, constant-currency sales surged 27% in North America last year as adidas in particular took market share from Nike (NKE). "2017 was a strong year -- financially and operationally. We made great progress toward achieving our mission to be the best sports company in the world. Our strategic growth areas -- North America, Greater China and Digital Commerce -- were the main drivers of our performance," adidas CEO Kasper Rorsted said. The German sportswear group also added that it expects net profits will rise faster over the next three years than previously target. adidas now sees an annual increase in post-tax income of 22%-24%, up from 20%-22%, and operating margin to rise to 11.5% by 2020. The company also confirmed an earlier revenue growth target of 10%-12%. SHARE BUYBACK PROGRAM: adidas' board has decided to launch a multi-year share buyback program of up to EUR3B in total until May 11, 2021. Starting on March 22, adidas plans to buy back shares worth up to EUR1B in 2018. The new buyback program is in addition to the company's stated policy to pay an annual dividend to shareholders in the range of 30%-50% of net income from continuing operations. The program will be executed by buying back shares via the stock exchange. The vast majority of the share buyback program will be financed through the company's net cash position as well as the expected "strong" operating cash flow generation in the years ahead, Adidas said in a statement. At the same time, the company "intends to make use of available attractive conditions for debt financing on the capital markets in order to finance the share buyback program." PRICE ACTION: In afternoon trading, shares of adidas trading in New York have jumped about 9% to $116.18.

12:03 EDT Disney announces strategic reorganization into four business segments - The Walt Disney Company announced a strategic reorganization of its businesses into four segments: the newly-formed Direct-to-Consumer and International; the combined Parks, Experiences and Consumer Products; Media Networks; and Studio Entertainment. The reorganization is effective immediately. Robert Iger, Chairman and CEO of The Walt Disney Company, said, "With our unparalleled Studio and Media Networks serving as content engines for the Company, we are combining the management of our direct-to-consumer distribution platforms, technology and international operations to deliver the entertainment and sports content consumers around the world want most, with more choice, personalization and convenience than ever before. In addition, we are merging our Consumer Products and Parks operations under one segment, combining strategy and resources to produce even more compelling products and experiences that bring our stories and characters to life for consumers." Kevin Mayer, who has served as Disney's Chief Strategy Officer since 2015, has been named Chairman of the new Direct-to-Consumer and International business segment. Bob Chapek, Chairman, Walt Disney Parks and Resorts, will assume additional responsibility for all of Disney's consumer products operations globally, including licensing and Disney stores, as Chairman of the new Parks, Experiences and Consumer Products business segment. Disney's worldwide consumer products business will be merged with Walt Disney Parks and Resorts under Chapek. The Disney Media Networks business segment is co-chaired by Ben Sherwood, President, Disney ABC Television Group, and James Pitaro, who was recently named President of ESPN and previously served as Chairman, Disney Consumer Products and Interactive Media. The Media Networks segment will remain virtually the same, with the exception of the international Disney Channel operations that are moving to the Direct-to-Consumer and International business segment along with management of global advertising sales/technology. The Studio Entertainment business segment is led by Alan F. Horn, Chairman, The Walt Disney Studios, and remains virtually the same, with the exception of the management of program sales moving to the Direct-to-Consumer and International business segment. The company said it expects to transition to financial reporting under the new structure by the beginning of fiscal 2019.

12:02 EDT Gap sets new goal for apparel suppliers to pay garment workers digitally by 2020 - Gap announced a new goal for all of its tier 1 suppliers - approximately 800 factories in about 30 countries - to make the transition from a cash-based system to digital payments by 2020. More than 60% of Gap Inc.'s supplier factories already provide digital payments methods, such as online transfers to bank accounts or mobile wallets. The new goal will help scale this progress across the company's global supply chain, the company said. "At Gap Inc., we believe that good business practices can help change the world and fuel growth. By having our suppliers pay garment workers digitally, we aim to accelerate the transition towards a more transparent workplace for the women and men who make our clothes. It's a win-win for garment workers and factories alike," said David Hayer, Senior Vice President of Global Sustainability at Gap Inc. and President of Gap Foundation.

11:28 EDT Equifax says Ying separated from company due to trading policy violations - Equifax Interim CEO Paulino Do Rego Barros, Jr. issued the following statement in response to the announcement that the U.S. Department of Justice and the Securities and Exchange Commission have brought charges against Jun Ying, a former employee of Equifax: "Upon learning about Mr. Ying's August sale of Equifax shares, we launched a review of his trading activity, concluded he violated our company's trading policies, separated him from the company and reported our findings to government authorities. We are fully cooperating with the DOJ and the SEC, and will continue to do so. We take corporate governance and compliance very seriously, and will not tolerate violations of our policies."

11:14 EDT Chipotle discloses resignation of Chief Marketing and Strategy Officer - In a regulatory filing, Chipotle Mexican Grill disclosed that on March 13, 2018, the company and Mark Crumpacker, Chief Marketing and Strategy Officer, entered into an agreement providing for Crumpacker's resignation from Chipotle, effective March 15, 2018.

11:12 EDT DOJ approves CenturyLink's proposed sale of former Level 3 metro network assets - Syringa Networks announced that the U.S. Department of Justice has approved the company's acquisition of certain CenturyLink metro network assets in the Boise, Idaho, area. This sale is subject to other governmental approvals, including the FCC, along with other customary closing conditions. Last fall, CenturyLink entered into an agreement with the Department of Justice to divest former Level 3 metro fiber network assets in the metro areas of Albuquerque, N.M.; Boise, Idaho; and Tucson, Ariz., in connection with CenturyLink's acquisition of Level 3 Communications. The sale of the Level 3 Boise area network assets to Syringa Networks, once concluded, will fulfill part of that commitment. CenturyLink will continue to serve all former Level 3 customers in Boise unless they choose to be served by Syringa Networks following the closing of the sale. Where needed to provide uninterrupted service to its customers in Boise, CenturyLink will purchase network connectivity and services from Syringa Networks. The proposed sale to Syringa does not include or affect the Boise area networks and business assets CenturyLink operated prior to the Level 3 acquisition. CenturyLink retains those assets and will continue to provide a full suite of leading edge telecommunications services to residential and business customers in Boise. The financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

10:52 EDT Casella Waste says New Hampshire voters did not vote to allow landfill expansion - In a regulatory filing, Casella Waste Systems disclosed that on March 13, 2018, voters in Bethlehem, New Hampshire did not vote in favor of Article 4 to change the zoning laws of the town to allow for a 70-acre landfill expansion at the company's North Country Environmental Services, Inc. landfill. In addition, the residents did not vote in favor of Article 22, which directed the town's Board of Selectmen to negotiate a new long-term host community agreement with NCES. The NCES landfill is a Subtitle D landfill located in Bethlehem, NH that the company purchased in 1994. The landfill currently consists of approximately 50 acres of permitted landfill area, and is expected to have available capacity through 2021 or 2023 depending upon engineering design and permitting. The landfill is permitted to accept municipal solid waste, construction and demolition waste and certain pre-approved special waste materials. While the landfill does not have an annual tonnage limit, the company plans to place approximately 250,000 tons at the site in 2018. "The company plans to continue to work with the residents of Bethlehem on the next steps for the NCES landfill, including alternative expansion strategies past the current permitted capacity. The landfill is an important environmental and economic contributor to the community and the State of New Hampshire," Casella stated. Also, it disclosed that on March 8, 2018, the company received notice from the Toxic Actions Center and the Conservation Law Foundation of their intent to sue the company over alleged violations of the Clean Water Act at the NCES landfill. "The company plans to vigorously defend these allegations if and when an action is filed," Casella added.

10:48 EDT DBV sees completing Viaskin Peanut application in second half of 2018 - DBV Technologies Chief Business Officer Susanna Mesa, while speaking today at the Barclays Global Healthcare Conference, said the FDA will recognize the company as a pioneer in the field of food allergy treatment when reviewing its Biologics License Application for Viaskin Peanut. Mesa sees DBV completing the filing in the second half of 2018. The executive believes randomization, due to DBV's take all comers approach, is a major reason why the Phase III trial did not meet the primary endpoint. DBV is "very confident" that Viaskin Peanut's dataset is "very strong," Mesa said. Shares of DBV are down 26c to $22.74 in morning trading.

10:34 EDT Former Equifax employee indicted for insider trading - Jun Ying has been indicted on federal charges of insider trading relating to his sales of Equifax securities in advance of its announcement regarding a data breach, the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Northern District of Georgia announced. "This defendant took advantage of his position as Equifax's USIS Chief Information Officer and allegedly sold over $950,000 worth of stock to profit before the company announced a data breach that impacted over 145 million Americans. Our office takes the abuse of trust inherent in insider trading very seriously and will prosecute those who seek to profit in this manner," said U.S. Attorney Byung J. "BJay" Pak.

09:49 EDT Ship Finance agrees to acquire fleet of 15 vessels, sells SFL Avon - Ship Finance announces that it has agreed to acquire a fleet of 15 feeder size container vessels, ranging from 1,100 TEU to 4,400 TEU, in combination with long term bareboat charters to a leading container line. The purchase price is confidential, but close to recycling value of the vessels. The charter term will be seven years from delivery, with subsequent purchase obligations by the charterer. Delivery of the vessels is expected in April and their aggregate EBITDA contribution is estimated to be approximately $20M per year. Concurrently, the company has agreed to sell the 1,700 TEU container vessel SFL Avon to an unrelated third party. This vessel has been operated in the short term charter market and net sales proceeds will be approximately $12.5M. Delivery to the new owner is expected in April 2018, and we expect a minor book gain in connection with the sale.

09:26 EDT Sinovac Biotech board says former Directors 'incapable' - "In response to the announcement of the purported re-election of all directors, dated March 5, made by the former directors of Sinovac Biotech Ltd., we, the newly-elected directors, hereby make the following statements: We, the Current Board, believe that the Former Directors have proven themselves incapable of acting in the best interests of the Company and the shareholders. We note that the voting card prepared by the Former Directors did not provide fair and equal voting options and would have deprived Sinovac shareholders of their fundamental right to elect the Company's Board of Directors. Specifically, the voting card did not provide an option to vote "against" the re-election of the Former Directors, but only allowed shareholders to vote 'agree' or 'abstain.' Further, according to the voting instructions prepared by the Former Directors, abstentions would not count as votes casted. As a result, the voting card prepared by the Former Directors guaranteed that the Former Directors would have been re-elected, given that there was no way to vote against them. We condemn this type of self-interested actions as they are not in the best interests of the Company and its shareholders."

09:10 EDT Pegasystems selected by Government of Andhra Pradesh for digital portal - Pegasystems' Pega Government Platform has been selected by the Government of Andhra Pradesh, India, as the technology backbone for e-Pragati, a new centralized government portal that aims to integrate all departments, streamline services, and drive higher citizen satisfaction. This initiative will help connect the state's citizens and businesses to 33 departments, 315 agencies, and 745 citizen services. This project marks the first client win for Pega's new sales support office in Mumbai, which opened in December 2017.

09:07 EDT PPG announces price increase for Automotive OEM coatings in Americas - PPG announced that it is raising prices for select coatings products for Automotive OEM customers in the Americas. The increase will take effect immediately or as customer contracts allow. This price increase helps mitigate rising raw material and operating costs, as recent demand for raw materials has outstripped the supply capacity of industries providing materials for paints and coatings. In addition, PPG has seen heightened freight and logistics costs for the past six months due to oil prices increasing nearly 40% over the past nine months. Details of the price increases will be communicated directly to customers.

09:05 EDT T-Mobile announces agreement with NBC5 to accelerate move to new frequency - T-Mobile and NBC's NBC5 / KXAS-TV announced an agreement to accelerate the repacking of the station's 600 MHz spectrum in North Texas and surrounding areas. NBC 5 / KXAS-TV, which serves the Dallas/Fort-Worth area, will move to its new frequency in late May, more than a year earlier than the FCC deadline of June 21, 2019. The agreement allows NBC 5 to transition to its new frequency and maximize its coverage area earlier than anticipated. This agreement also enables T-Mobile to enhance LTE coverage and capacity in the area more quickly, with wireless signals that travel twice as far and work four times better in buildings than mid-band spectrum. The agreement is part of T-Mobile's broader commitment to work with broadcasters occupying 600 MHz spectrum to assist them in moving to new frequencies and to accelerate the process of freeing up the spectrum for new and expanded wireless services across the country. Last year, T-Mobile announced similar partnerships to assist other stations in their moves to new airwaves.

09:04 EDT Vonage receives second patent for innovations to Adaptive Routing technology - Vonage has received a second patent from the United States Patent and Trademark Office for innovations to its Adaptive Routing technology. This patent provides additional coverage that further enhances the reliability of message delivery to any device, worldwide. This latest patented technology (Pat. No. 9,853,884) broadens Vonage's Adaptive Routing patent coverage with a feature that enables replacement of a primary route for message delivery with an alternate route based on an automated risk analysis that indicates whether the quality of the primary route is likely to decrease.

09:02 EDT UPS announces new chatbot available via Google Assistant - UPS (UPS) announced it has launched its popular chatbot on the Google Assistant (GOOG, GOOGL), giving customers another convenient way to retrieve information on package deliveries and other UPS services via the Assistant on Android phones, iPhones, smart speakers like Google Home and other compatible devices. The chatbot's expansion to the Google Assistant also marks an important step for UPS as it makes new inroads into Artificial Intelligence. The company, which aims to engage its customers and consumers through the online platforms they prefer, introduced the chatbot in 2016 through Facebook Messenger (FB), Skype (MSFT) and Amazon (AMZN) Alexa.

09:02 EDT Vera Bradley announces new sleepwear/loungewear licensing agreement - Vera Bradley announced it has entered into a licensing agreement with Apparel Partnership Group for sleepwear and loungewear. The Vera Bradley sleepwear and loungewear collection is expected to launch in spring 2019. Products will be sold in Vera Bradley stores, on verabradley.com, and in department and specialty stores throughout the country.

08:47 EDT Itron's water solution selected by Romanian water utility - Itron announced that the Romanian water utility SC CUP Dunarea Braila SA will install nearly 30,000 Itron Flodis/Flostar M water meters equipped with radio modules to address water loss.

08:43 EDT Ford issues two safety recalls in North America - Ford is issuing two safety recalls in North America. Details are as follows: Select 2014-18 Ford Fusion and Lincoln MKZ vehicles for loose steering wheel bolts that could lead to a steering wheel detaching from steering column. Ford is issuing a safety recall in North America for approximately 1.3 million 2014-18 Ford Fusion and Lincoln MKZ vehicles for potentially loose steering wheel bolts that could result in a steering wheel detaching from the steering column. In affected vehicles, the steering wheel bolt may not maintain torque, allowing the bolt to loosen over time, and if not serviced, a steering wheel could potentially detach and lead to a loss of steering control and increased risk of a crash. Ford is aware of two accidents with one injury allegedly related to this condition. The recall involves approximately 1,378,637 vehicles in North America with 1,301,986 in the United States and federalized territories, 62,479 in Canada and 14,172 in Mexico. Ford is issuing a safety recall in North America for approximately 6,000 2013-16 Ford Focus cars with 1.0-liter Fox GTDI engine and B6 manual transmission and 2013-15 Ford Fusion with 1.6-liter GTDI engine and B6 manual transmission vehicles for potential clutch plate fracture with risk of fire.In affected vehicles, repeated high-energy clutch slip input made while a driver changes gears can lead to premature clutch lining wear, reducing the mechanical properties of pressure plate material. Repeated cyclic heating and cooling events may cause cracks around the outer edge of the pressure plate. Ford is not aware of any fires, accidents or injuries associated with this issue. The recall involves approximately 5,872 vehicles in North America with 5,357 in the United States and 515 in Canada.

08:41 EDT Bombardier secures major contract extension by Transport for London - Bombardier Transportation has been awarded a major contract extension by Transport for London, or TfL, to service trains operating on the London Overground network. The contract extension is a variation to an existing Train Services Agreement, which extends the current contract end from December 2023 to May 2030 for maintenance and support services for the BOMBARDIER ELECTROSTAR Class 378 fleet in operation on the London Overground network. This contract, originally signed in 2006 will now continue until 2030, removing a previous contract break in 2023. This contract change is valued at approximately $149M.

08:37 EDT Capstone Turbine announces order for C600 Signature Series microturbine - Capstone Turbine Corporation announced an order for a natural gas-fueled C600 Signature Series microturbine to provide combined heat and power to Italian food manufacturer Furlotti & C. IBT Group, Capstone's distributor for Italy, secured the order, which is expected to be commissioned in November 2018. IBT has worked with dozens of Italian food manufacturers and processors to date and has shown the industry the innovative Capstone microturbine solution. The thermal energy from the exhaust of the microturbine is utilized alongside the electrical output to provide steam via a steam boiler for the manufacturing process. This combined heat and power application boosts the overall efficiency of the microturbine to over 80%, making it one of the most economical and environmentally friendly solutions in the industry. The installation will also feature Capstone's new PowerSync line of controllers, enabling a greater degree of control and integration with the facility. The unit operates 24/7/365 in grid connect mode, meaning it works in conjunction with the local utility to deliver a complete energy solution to the building.

08:35 EDT On Track Innovations receives purchase order for 8,000 advanced Uno 8 readers - On Track Innovations has received new purchase order to deliver 8,000 of OTI's Uno-8 advanced secure contactless NFC readers to the Smart ATM market. The company expects the purchase order to be delivered in both the second and third quarter of 2018, for which OTI will recognize a one-time sale. Due to confidentiality, the terms of the contract cannot be disclosed.

08:26 EDT Camtek receives multiple systems order from Chinese manufacturer - Camtek received an order for multiple systems for front-end 2D Macro Inspection from a major Chinese manufacturer. The systems are expected to be installed in Q2 and Q3.

08:20 EDT Gladstone Land acquires 176-acre blueberry farm in Michigan for $2.1M - Gladstone Land announced that it acquired a 176-acre blueberry farm in Van Buren County, Michigan, for $2.1M. Upon acquisition, Gladstone Land entered into a 10-year, triple-net lease with True Blue Farms, one of the most prominent blueberry growers and marketers in the country. The property currently consists of approximately 100 planted acres of blueberries and is fully irrigated with access to multiple water sources.

08:17 EDT Veracyte announces new data on GSC and Afirma Xpression Atlas platform - Veracyte announced that new data will be presented at ENDO 2018, the annual meeting of the Endocrine Society, underscoring the ability of the afirma genomic sequencing classifier, or GSC, and the soon-to-be-launched Afirma Xpression Atlas platform to provide clinically useful information that can help guide physician and patient decision-making in thyroid cancer diagnosis. "These new data will reinforce Afirma's ability to provide physicians with a single-source solution for improved thyroid cancer diagnosis," said Bonnie Anderson, Veracyte's chairman and CEO. "Specifically, real-world data will demonstrate the ability of the Afirma GSC to help even more patients avoid unnecessary surgery, as compared to our original, market-leading Afirma classifier. We also look forward to unveiling our soon-to-be-launched Afirma Xpression Atlas platform, which will give physicians unprecedented levels of genomic information that may potentially help guide surgery and treatment decisions for patients with suspected thyroid cancer."

08:14 EDT Signet Jewelers says believes problems are 'fixable' - Says company is taking a look at business through new lens. Signet says it has "immediate" challenges to address, citing operational issues with the credit portfolio outsourcing and the need to transform the business while lowering its cost structure and repositioning real estate portfolio. Says transition of credit functions to outsourcing model has led to operational issues that significantly impacted SSS. Says employee morale has suffered from negative press, headcount reductions, complications from credit portfolio outsourcing. Says has been "slow to respond" to things like declining mall traffic, shifts in customer buying behavior. Says problems "fixable." Comments taken from the Q4 earnings conference call. Signet is down 10% in pre-market trading.

08:13 EDT Daxor says patient care individualized by BVA reduces heart failure readmissions - Daxor Corporation announces the presentation of new research highlighting the significant benefits to patient outcomes through individualization of care guided by blood volume analysis. The study by John E. Strobeck, MD, PhD and Wayne L. Miller, MD, PhD, of the Mayo Clinic appeared during the session entitled "Cardiotoxity, Cardiomyophathies and Heart Failure Readmissions" at the American College of Cardiology 2018 Scientific Session. Dr. Strobeck reported the results of a propensity score matched-controlled retrospective analysis of mortality and readmission outcomes in a mixed community cohort of 245 consecutive heart failure patient admissions over the course of four years for whom at least one year of follow-up or mortality data were available. Patients received at least one BVA test at or near admission with follow-up as needed. BVA results were integrated into each patient's decongestion strategy. Outcomes for each member of this cohort were statistically compared to the 30-day mortality and readmissions and 365-day mortality rates of ten controls derived from CMS data and matched for demographics, comorbidities, and time of treatment. For this real-world mixed cohort of 245 heart failure patients receiving individualized care guided by BVA, the 30-day all-cause mortality rate was 2.0%, significantly lower than the rate for the matched control population of 11.1%, implying a 56% relative reduction in the risk of 30-day readmissions compared with conventionally managed patients. Since 2013, Medicare has been financially penalizing hospitals with above-average 30-day readmission rates for heart failure patients. This result has important implications not only for improving the treatment of heart failure but also for reducing hospital financial penalties.

08:09 EDT Allison Transmission and Cummins' hybrid propulsion system certified by CARB - Allison Transmission (ALSN) and Cummins (CMI) announced certification from the California Air Resources Board for model year 2018 Allison Hybrid 40/50 Electric Propulsion system paired with the Cummins B6.7 and L9 diesel-electric hybrid engines used in transit buses and coaches. Originally issued by the ARB in 2014, the dual Executive Order is required to be reviewed for renewed eligibility on a model year basis. The paired Allison electric hybrid-propulsion system and Cummins engine is used in both straight and articulated transit buses.

08:08 EDT E-Trade reports February DARTs up 51% y/y - E*TRADE Financial released its Monthly Activity Report for February 2018. Daily Average Revenue Trades for February were 330,121, a 5% increase from January and a 51% increase from the year-ago period. Derivatives represented 31% of DARTs during the month. The company added 51,988 gross new brokerage accounts in February and ended the month with approximately 3.7 million brokerage accounts -- an increase of 26,486 from January. Net new brokerage assets were $2B in the month. During the month, customer security holdings decreased by $4.5B, and brokerage-related cash increased by $0.1B to $53.1B. Customer margin balances remained flat, ending the month at $9.4B. Customers were net buyers of approximately $1.8B in securities during the month.

08:07 EDT Arsanis receives patent for ASN100 - Arsanis announced that the United States Patent and Trademark Office, or USPTO issued U.S. Patent No. 9914767 to the company. This patent broadly claims composition of matter for antibodies that cross-neutralize Staphylococcus aureus alpha hemolysin and up to four additional S. aureus leukocidins targeted by ASN-1, one of the two antibodies in the company's lead product candidate, ASN100. ASN100 is a combination of two fully human monoclonal antibodies that together neutralize the six cytotoxins critical to S. aureus pneumonia pathogenesis, including toxins that damage lung tissue and destroy human immune cells. This patent grants intellectual property protection in the United States through 2033.

08:05 EDT Kohl's announces enterprise-wide commitment to cloud computing - Kohl's is making a multi-year investment to migrate Kohl's systems and applications to the cloud, modernizing the company's technology footprint to optimize delivery of a seamless, best-in-class omnichannel customer experience. The technology investment further supports the company's efforts to replace legacy systems, enhance operational efficiencies and reduce long-term costs. Kohl's cloud migration includes aspects of e-commerce, mobile and business operations.

08:04 EDT TiVo renews IP license deal with Alticast - TiVo Corporation announced that Alticast, an end-to-end media technology provider, has renewed its intellectual propertylicense to deliver advanced entertainment products in Korea. The IP license covers the patent portfolio of Rovi Corporation, a TiVo company, enabling Alticast to deliver video solutions to Korea's leading entertainment industry players, including IPTV, cable and direct-to-home platform providers.

08:03 EDT Amneal announces FDA approval of Erythromycin Tablets USP, 250 mg and 500 mg - Amneal Pharmaceuticals has received FDA approval for Erythromycin Tablets USP, 250 mg and 500 mg strengths. The Amneal product is a therapeutic equivalent for the reference listed drug Erythromycin Tablets from Arbor Pharmaceuticals and is the only other immediate release oral tablet available. Annual U.S. sales of erythromycin tablets were $84M, according to January 2018 IQVIA(TM) market data.

08:01 EDT Acasti Pharma doses first patient in TRILOGY Phase 3 program - Acasti Pharma announced that the first patient has been randomized in the company's TRILOGY Phase 3 program evaluating lead drug candidate CaPre for the treatment of severe hypertriglyceridemia, or HTG, a condition of elevated triglycerides, or TGs, in the bloodstream that increases the risk of coronary artery disease and pancreatitis.

07:51 EDT Signet Jewelers sees FY19 as 'transition' year - Says FY18 was "challenging" as the company executed a "complex credit outsourcing and experienced operational issues." Says FY19 will be "transition year where we begin our transformation to set the stage for improved operational and financial performance beginning in FY20." Says credit portfolio outsourcing allows Signet to focus on core retail business, reduces balance sheet exposure to consumer credit risk. As far as financial impact of credit outsourcing, sees ($100M-$115M) impact on FY19 operating profit and ($100M-$110M) for FY20. Comments from slides that will be presented on the Q4 earnings conference call.

07:47 EDT Jacobs Engineering awarded $778M global IT enterprise operations contract - Jacobs Engineering Group was awarded a $778M contract to provide global information technology enterprise operations and maintenance solutions for the U.S. Special Operations Command. Through 2023, when the work is scheduled for completion, Jacobs will provide comprehensive 24/7 worldwide IT support for the Special Operations Forces Information Environment to more than 70,000 Special Operations, including solutions in network operations, system and network infrastructure, end user and common device support, plans and engineering, enterprise architecture and configuration, change, license and asset management.

07:32 EDT Starboard nominees to purchase $25M of Newell Brands stock if board replaced - Starboard Value, a significant shareholder of Newell Brands, which together with the other participants in its solicitation beneficially owns approximately 4.5% of the company's outstanding shares, announced that certain of its director nominees, Ian G.H. Ashken, Martin E. Franklin and James E. Lillie, have committed to purchase an aggregate of $25M worth of Newell stock with their personal capital in the open market if Starboard successfully replaces Newell's Board of Directors at the company's 2018 Annual Meeting of Stockholders. If elected, Messrs. Ashken, Franklin and Lillie further commit to not sell any of the shares they purchase for so long as they continue to serve as directors of the company unless Newell's share price exceeds the company's share price on April 15, 2016 - the day on which Newell closed its acquisition of Jarden Corporation.

07:26 EDT Suncor lowers Q1 production view due to Syncrude turnaround advancement - Suncor announced that the Syncrude eight-week maintenance turnaround originally scheduled to begin in April, will be moved up by approximately one month to March 15. Advancing the turnaround will permit Syncrude to address an unrelated issue which has been constraining capacity on a line that feeds bitumen from the mine to the upgrader. With the change in turnaround timing, Syncrude production for Q1 is expected to be reduced to approximately 140K bbls/d, net to Suncor. However, Syncrude's forecasted production for the full year remains within the annual guidance range. Base plant operations dealt with a significant, weather-related outage in January, which will reduce Q1 production to approximately 400K bbls/d. Base plant operations returned to normal levels in February and are expected to remain at full rates until the planned Upgrader 1 turnaround in Q2. Fort Hills ramp-up is progressing following the start-up of the first secondary extraction train on January 27. Q1production is expected to average approximately 25K bbls/d, net to Suncor. Production from Exploration & Production is tracking above plan. Total E&P production for Q1 is estimated at approximately 120K boe/d. Suncor expects total upstream production for Q1 to be approximately 685K boe/d and does not anticipate any changes to its overall 2018 production guidance. :theflyonthewall.com

07:23 EDT Suncor lowers Q1 production view due to Syncrude turnaround advancementstrength attributed to takeover speculation - Suncor announced that the Syncrude eight-week maintenance turnaround originally scheduled to begin in April, will be moved up by approximately one month to March 15. Advancing the turnaround will permit Syncrude to address an unrelated issue which has been constraining capacity on a line that feeds bitumen from the mine to the upgrader. With the change in turnaround timing, Syncrude production for Q1 is expected to be reduced to approximately 140K bbls/d, net to Suncor. However, Syncrude's forecasted production for the full year remains within the annual guidance range. Base plant operations dealt with a significant, weather-related outage in January, which will reduce Q1 production to approximately 400K bbls/d. Base plant operations returned to normal levels in February and are expected to remain at full rates until the planned Upgrader 1 turnaround in Q2. Fort Hills ramp-up is progressing following the start-up of the first secondary extraction train on January 27. Q1production is expected to average approximately 25K bbls/d, net to Suncor. Production from Exploration & Production is tracking above plan. Total E&P production for Q1 is estimated at approximately 120K boe/d. Suncor expects total upstream production for Q1 to be approximately 685K boe/d and does not anticipate any changes to its overall 2018 production guidance.

07:19 EDT Cesca Therapeutics subsidiary expands CAR-T related CDMO services - Cesca Therapeutics announced that its ThermoGenesis device subsidiary has signed a license agreement with IncoCell Tianjin, a wholly-owned subsidiary of China-based Boyalife Group, for CAR-T related and other cellular processing CDMO services. Pursuant to the terms of the agreement, ThermoGenesis has granted IncoCell an exclusive license to purchase and use, at a discounted purchase price, X-Series cellular processing research devices, consumables and kits for use in the conduct of CDMO operations in certain Asia Pacific countries. In exchange, ThermoGenesis is entitled to a percentage of IncoCell's gross contract development revenues, including any potential upfront payments, future milestones or royalty payments.

07:07 EDT Central Garden & Pet acquires Bell Nursery - Central Garden & Pet announced that it has purchased Bell Nursery, the largest commercial grower of flowers and plants in the mid-Atlantic. Bell is headquartered in Maryland and has facilities in North Carolina, Virginia, Maryland, Ohio and Delaware. The company expects the acquisition to be accretive in FY18.

07:05 EDT Signet Jewelers to sell non-prime in-house credit card receivables - Signet is announcing an agreement to sell its non-prime in-house credit card receivables and enter a five-year committed forward flow purchase program for future originations. This agreement, in conjunction with the previously executed prime credit transaction and strategic partnership with ADS, and the outsourcing of the servicing of the non-prime credit program to Genesis Financial Solutions, Inc. will complete Signet's transition to an outsourced credit structure. Under the agreement, Signet will sell its non-prime receivables originated by Signet to investment funds managed by CarVal Investors, which will allow Signet to divest itself of the credit risk relating to those receivables shortly following origination, while maintaining a full spectrum of financing and leasing options for customers. The completion of the second phase outsourcing of Signet's credit portfolio is expected to significantly reduce consumer credit risk from the balance sheet, reduce working capital and allow the company to continue to return significant capital to shareholders. Under the terms of the agreement, Signet will sell its non-prime credit receivables to investment funds managed by CarVal Investors, a leading global alternative investment fund manager. The accounts receivable will be sold at a price expressed as a percentage of the par value of the accounts receivable of 72%, which is net of estimated servicing expenses for the receivables. Historically, Signet has carried these receivables at approximately 85% of par value. The current sale price represents approximately 85% of Signet's historical carrying value. The estimated par value of receivables at closing is $585 million - $635 million. Additionally, there will be a 5% holdback of the receivables purchase price at closing, which may be paid out at the end of two years depending on the performance of such receivables in that period. The sale is expected to result in $401 million - $435 million of proceeds inclusive of the servicing expense on these receivables. Additionally, we expect to incur $7 million in transaction costs. Under the terms of the agreement, Signet has the right, subject to conditions and limitations in the agreement, to allocate up to 30% of the receivables to be sold and the forward receivables to a second purchaser on substantially the same terms. Signet intends to use the proceeds from the sale of its non-prime receivables to repurchase shares in Fiscal 2019, subject to market conditions. Signet expects to reclassify the non-prime credit receivables to assets held for sale in the first quarter of Fiscal 2019. In connection with the transaction, a loss, inclusive of the servicing payment, will be recognized related to the difference between the net book value and the fair value of the receivables at which they will be sold to investment funds managed by CarVal Investors at closing. It is estimated that a $140 million loss will be recognized in the first quarter of Fiscal 2019. Receivables originated during the second quarter prior to closing will also be marked to the fair value at which they will be sold to investment funds managed by CarVal Investors, resulting in losses on each of these new receivables until closing. The total loss in connection with the transaction is estimated to be $165 million to $170 million which includes $45 million to $55 million in servicing costs as well as transaction costs. In addition, for a five-year term, Signet will remain the issuer of non-prime credit with investment funds managed by CarVal Investors obligated to purchase forward receivables at a discount rate determined in accordance with the agreement. Servicing of the non-prime receivables, including operational interfaces and customer servicing, will continue to be provided by Genesis Financial Solutions, Inc., the service provider for the non-prime credit program established as part of the first phase of our outsourcing strategy. The transaction is expected to close in the second quarter of Signet's Fiscal 2019 subject to certain closing conditions. There are no customer or store-facing systems integration activities required of Signet to close the transaction and the Company does not expect any changes to the current credit application process for non-prime customers.

07:04 EDT Nexeo Solutions, Solvay announce home care products distribution agreement - Nexeo Solutions announced it will expand its business relationship with Solvay to distribute home care surfactant and polymer products into the North American market. This decision comes after the Novecare business unit of Solvay USA embarked on a realignment and consolidation strategy for its distribution network involving the Home Care Market in the United States and reassessed their distribution needs. Based on this assessment, Solvay made the decision to appoint Nexeo Solutions to support its current and future Home Care Product needs.

07:03 EDT Signet Jewelers launches three-year comprehensive transformation plan - Signet is launching a three-year comprehensive transformation plan to reposition the Company to be a share gaining, OmniChannel jewelry category leader. The three-year plan includes cost efficiencies, a portion of which will be reinvested in growth initiatives including 1) eCommerce growth; 2) OmniChannel capabilities; and 3) innovation in product assortment and the store experience. We believe this plan will enable the Company to drive long-term sustainable, profitable sales growth and create value for shareholders. Key components of the transformation plan include: Optimizing real estate footprint. Following an evaluation of its real estate footprint, utilization, and cost structure, Signet intends to reposition its portfolio to drive greater store productivity. Efforts include development and implementation of innovative store concepts to improve the in-store shopping experience, execution of opportunistic store relocations and store closures to reduce the Company's mall-based exposure and exiting regional brands. Signet anticipates, pending the outcome of this evaluation, to close more than 200 stores by the end of Fiscal 2019. As approximately three-quarters of stores expected to close are within the same mall as another Signet banner, the company expects approximately 30 percent of revenue from closed stores to transfer to remaining Signet stores. Reducing non-customer facing costs. In line with Signet's goal of creating a Culture of Agility and Efficiency, the Company is implementing initiatives across its operations, including strategic sourcing, distribution and warehousing, and corporate and support functions to drive cost savings and operational efficiencies. These include initiatives to reduce costs related to logistics, information technology, third-party contracts and corporate expenses. Enhancing Signet's eCommerce and OmniChannel capabilities. Signet intends to invest in enhancing the customer experience across platforms and becoming the leading jewelry retailer across channels. New initiatives to drive increased digital traffic and improve conversion include using R2Net product image visualization across banners, greater personalization of content and product offering from enhanced behavioral data management, and enhancing digital marketing return on investment through greater visibility of a customer's multi-touch journey. The company will also further expand and enhance its OmniChannel wish list, bridal configurator, online appointment booking and local store online viewing capability. With these investments, Signet aims to grow its digital sales as a percentage of total revenues to at least 15% in Fiscal Year 2021, compared to 8% in Fiscal Year 2018. Leading innovation and customer value. Signet has launched an Innovation Engine and is investing further in data analytics and consumer insights, including a system to track customer net promoter score. The Company is also addressing gaps in the customer value proposition. These investments are expected to result in improved product assortment and faster time to market, as well as greater marketing and promotional effectiveness. Strengthening employee engagement and capabilities. Our team and organization will be key to accomplishing the Company's transformation goals. Signet has hired and promoted several executives to fill key leadership roles, is investing in building eCommerce, analytics and innovation resources and is focusing on reigniting employee engagement in our store operations through training and development opportunities. The Company will also provide a one-time special cash award to all hourly non-managerial team employees in Fiscal 2019 to enhance employee commitment as we begin our transformation efforts, funded by US tax reform, as well as a three-year transformation incentive program for all employees.

07:02 EDT Broadcom withdraws slate of independent director nominees for Qualcomm's AM

07:01 EDT Broadcom withdraws offer to acquire Qualcomm - Broadcom (AVGO) announced that it has withdrawn and terminated its offer to acquire Qualcomm (QCOM) and has withdrawn its slate of independent director nominees for Qualcomm's 2018 Annual Meeting of Stockholders. Broadcom today issued the following statement: "Although we are disappointed with this outcome, Broadcom will comply with the Order. Broadcom will continue to move forward with its redomiciliation process and will hold its Special Meeting of Stockholders as planned on March 23, 2018. Broadcom's Board of Directors and management team sincerely appreciate the significant support we received from the Qualcomm and Broadcom stockholders throughout this process. Broadcom thanks the independent nominees who stood for election to the Qualcomm board, not only for their time and effort but also for their unwavering commitment to act in the best interests of Qualcomm stockholders." Broadcom appreciates the following statement from U.S. Treasury Secretary and CFIUS chair Steven Mnuchin on March 12: "This decision is based on the facts and national security sensitivities related to this particular transaction only and is not intended to make any other statement about Broadcom or its employees, including its thousands of hard working and highly skilled U.S. employees."

06:57 EDT Signet Jewelers sees FY19 CapEx $165M-$185M

06:56 EDT Signet Jewelers announces 'Signet Path to Brilliance' transformation plan - "Today we are announcing a three-year company-wide comprehensive strategy to reinvigorate Signet and transform the Company to be a share-gaining, OmniChannel jewelry category leader. Our 'Signet Path to Brilliance' plan will advance our strategic priorities across our Customer First, OmniChannel and Culture of Agility and Efficiency pillars. Plan initiatives build on the strength of the Signet banners and focus on 1) investing in eCommerce and product innovation, 2) enhancing customer value, and 3) increasing cost competitiveness. We will also look to further optimize our real estate portfolio through opportunistic reinvestment in innovative store concepts, relocations to off-mall locations, and strategic store closures. Looking ahead, Fiscal 2019 will be an important transition year as we implement our transformation plan, and we expect to see improved operational and financial performance beginning in Fiscal 2020."

06:54 EDT Signet Jewelers raises quarterly dividend 20% to 37c per share - Payable on June 1 to shareholders of record on May 4, with an ex-dividend date of May 3.

06:51 EDT Xenia Hotels sells Aston Waikiki Beach Hotel for $200M - Xenia Hotels & Resorts announced that it has completed the previously announced sale of the leasehold interest in the 693-room Aston Waikiki Beach Hotel in Oahu, HI for a sale price of $200M, or approximately $310,000 per key. The price represented a 12.6x multiple on the Hotel's 2017 EBITDA.

06:49 EDT Express reports Q4 e-commerce sales up 20% to $203.3M - On a comparable sales basis, e-commerce sales increased 17%.

06:48 EDT Express reports Q4 merchandise margin expanded 130 bps

06:40 EDT Sharing Economy International enters understanding with Icon Properties - Sharing Economy International announced that its wholly-owned subsidiary, EC Assets Management, has entered into a memorandum of understanding with Icon Properties, regarding a potential acquisition of the Qliq Damansara Hotel, which is located in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. The Qliq Damansara Hotel is situated in the Golden Triangle of Petaling Jaya, the heart of a commercial area with some of the "trendiest" lifestyle and shopping areas, arts and culture, sports and business districts. The hotel comprises 219 guest rooms in 24 levels.

06:34 EDT Coinbase says first crypto exchange to obtain U.K. bank account - Zeeshan Feroz, U.K. CEO at Coinbase, said in a blog post that Coinbase has been granted an e-money license by the UK's Financial Conduct Authority. He also said Coinbase is the first crypto-exchange to support the UK's Faster Payments Scheme. Feroz commented, "Coinbase is happy to announce that we have received an e-money license from the FCA. The license will allow Coinbase to issue e-money and provide payment services in the UK. The license requires Coinbase's e-money operations to meet the strict rules enforced by the FCA and the Payment Services Directive. For our customers, this will ultimately help us deliver a better experience through new partnerships and an easier to use product. We are committed to making sure customer funds are always secure and this update means that our e-money operations have safeguards and operational standards at par with other regulated financial institutions. An example of this is segregation of client funds, where all customer fiat balances will be separated from Coinbase's funds and kept in separate bank accounts. Our e-money license will extend beyond the UK to 23 countries within the EU." According to CNBC, Coinbase obtained the bank account with U.K. lender Barclays. Feroz continued, "In another first, we are announcing today that Coinbase will add support for the UK's Faster Payments Scheme. By replacing SEPA for UK customers, Faster Payments will offer a familiar payment experience and is supported by all major UK banks. UK customers will benefit from faster, safer and seamless bank transfers. We will start with a pilot, giving a small number of institutional users access to Faster Payments. In the coming weeks, we will begin rolling out to all UK customers, making the Coinbase experience increasingly easier." Reference Link

06:33 EDT EV Energy enters into agreement on comprehensive restructuring - EV Energy entered into a restructuring support agreement with certain holders of approximately 70% of its 8.0% senior notes due 2019 and lenders holding approximately 94% of the principal amount outstanding under the company's reserve-based lending facility on March 13. The RSA contemplates a comprehensive restructuring of the company's capital structure, to be implemented through a proposed pre-packaged plan of reorganization. The company will commence the solicitation of votes to accept or reject the plan, and commence its prepackaged bankruptcy case in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the District of Delaware on or before April 8. Neither EnerVest nor EnerVest Operating is seeking Chapter 11 bankruptcy relief. The plan contemplates the equitization of all of the company's Senior Notes and the entry into an amended reserve-based lending facility with the company's existing lenders. The company does not plan to reject any of its existing contracts as part of the restructuring. Upon consummation, the restructuring would, among other things, amend the company's reserve-based lending facility; eliminate more than $343M of principal and accrued interest with respect to the Senior Notes; pay all obligations in full in the ordinary course; and provide the company's existing unitholders with consideration in the form of 5% of the reorganized company's equity. The company's existing unitholders are not eligible to vote on the Plan. The record date for voting has been set as March 12. The company anticipates filing voluntary petitions for relief under chapter 11 in the Bankruptcy Court by April 8, and to consummate the Plan and emerge from chapter 11 before the end of 2Q18.

06:23 EDT Google to ban cryptocurrency ads starting in June - In June 2018, Google will update the Financial services policy to restrict the advertisement of Contracts for Difference, rolling spot forex, and financial spread betting. In addition, ads for the following will no longer be allowed to serve binary options and synonymous products and cryptocurrencies and related content including but not limited to initial coin offerings, cryptocurrency exchanges, cryptocurrency wallets, and cryptocurrency trading advice. Ads for aggregators and affiliates for the following will no longer be allowed to serve Contracts for Difference, rolling spot forex, financial spread betting, binary options and synonymous products, and cryptocurrencies and related content. Advertisers offering Contracts for Difference, rolling spot forex, and financial spread betting will be required to be certified by Google before they can advertise through AdWords. Certification is only available in certain countries.To be certified by Google, advertisers will need to be licensed by the relevant financial services authority in the country or countries they are targeting, ensure their ads and landing pages comply with all AdWords policies and comply with relevant legal requirements, including those related to complex speculative financial products. Reference Link

06:08 EDT Cherry Hill Mortgage reports book value per share $20.44 at end of Q4 - The value represents a 1.9% increase from September 30, 2017, net of the company's fourth quarter dividend .

06:05 EDT Prudential plc announces plans to demerge M&G Prudential - Prudential plc announces its intention to demerge its UK & Europe business M&G Prudential from Prudential plc, resulting in two separately-listed companies with different investment characteristics and opportunities. On completion of the demerger, shareholders will hold interests in both Prudential plc and M&G Prudential. As a standalone entity, M&G Prudential will be led by its current CEO John Foley and will continue its transformation into a more capital-efficient and customer-focused business, targeting growing demand for comprehensive financial solutions. M&G Prudential remains on track to deliver its previously announced cost savings target. In line with this strategy to transition towards a more capital efficient, de-risked business model, M&G Prudential also announces the sale of GBP 12.0 billion of its shareholder annuity portfolio to Rothesay Life. Under the terms of the agreement, M&G Prudential has reinsured GBP 12.0 billion of liabilities to Rothesay Life, which is expected to be followed by a Part VII transfer of the portfolio by the end of 2019. The capital benefit of this transaction will be retained within the Group to support the demerger process. Prudential plc will combine the exciting growth potential of its Asia, US and Africa businesses and will be led by its current Group CEO Mike Wells. Prudential plc's dividend policy will remain unchanged through the separation period. Following the demerger, Prudential plc will remain headquartered in the UK and retain its premium listing on the London Stock Exchange, its primary listing in Hong Kong, and other listings in Singapore and New York. M&G Prudential will be headquartered in the UK and hold a premium listing on the London Stock Exchange. In preparation for the UK demerger process, and to align the ownership of the Group's businesses with their operating structures, Prudential plc intends to transfer the legal ownership of its Hong Kong insurance subsidiaries from The Prudential Assurance Company Limited to Prudential Corporation Asia Limited, which is expected to complete by the end of 2019.The Group will look to realise efficiencies to benefit the two businesses post demerger. In addition, prior to the demerger, the Group's debt capital position will be re-balanced across Prudential plc and M&G Prudential. This may include the redemption or debt liability management of issued debt, and new debt issuance.

06:05 EDT Cognizant announces $300M accelerated share repurchase plan - Cognizant announced that it has entered into an accelerated share repurchase, or ASR agreement with Societe Generale to repurchase an aggregate of $300M of Cognizant's Class A common stock. This ASR agreement is a continuation of its previously announced $3.4B capital return plan. Under the terms of the ASR agreement, approximately 3.04 M of the shares to be repurchased will be received by Cognizant on March 14. The final number of shares to be repurchased will be based on the volume-weighted average stock price of Cognizant's Class A common stock less a discount and subject to potential adjustments pursuant to the terms of the ASR agreement. Final settlement of the transaction under the ASR agreement is anticipated to occur during Q2 2018. Cognizant will fund the ASR program from cash on hand and its existing credit facility.

05:45 EDT Iqvia enters alliance with Box - Iqvia (IQV) announced at the eyeforpharma conference that it has entered into an alliance with Box (BOX). The Box platform expands and strengthens IQVIA's Platform of Platforms strategy by adding standardized content management, complementing our existing partnerships with Salesforce, Amazon Web Services and other leading platforms. With the enhanced content management capabilities this alliance provides, IQVIA's life sciences customers will be able to work with an ever expanding range of content and mobile devices, without disrupting any services they already use. The Box platform also helps clients protect against security threats and supports client efforts to manage complex compliance requirements, including the European Union's General Data Protection Regulation.