Stockwinners Market Radar for March 29, 2018 - Earnings, Upgrades downgrades, option trades, Best Stock Advisory Service

20:23 EDT Afterhours Session Wrap - At the conclusion of the extended session, Humana (HUM) ended up 10.7% after reports from The Wall Street Journal of a takeover interest from Wal-Mart (WMT), which ended afterhours trade down 1.2%. Anthem (ANTM) and UnitedHealth Group (UNH) also traded higher 3.7% and 2.7% respectively in sympathy. Among the notable decliners, Tesla (TSLA) stock price continued its plunge with a 2.5% slide after reports of a recall for 123K Model S cars due to faulty corroding bolts. Under Armour (UA) fell 1.9% in extended session after disclosing a data security breach on its MyFitnessPal website which may have impacted as many as 150M user accounts.

19:08 EDT DowDuPont recommends rejection of TRC Capital's mini-tender - DowDuPont announced that it has been notified of an unsolicited "mini-tender" offer by TRC Capital Corporation to purchase up to 2M shares, or approximately 0.09% of outstanding shares, of DowDuPont Inc.'s common stock at $60.25 per share, which was approximately 4.46% below the closing share price of DowDuPont's common stock on March 23, 2018 , the last trading day prior to the date of TRC Capital's mini-tender offer, and approximately 5.4% below the closing share price of DowDuPont common stock on March 29, 2018, the day of this release. DowDuPont does not endorse TRC Capital's offer and recommends that DowDuPont stockholders reject the offer and not tender their shares in response to TRC Capital's unsolicited mini-tender offer.

18:41 EDT Nvidia CEO: Uber driving technology different than ours - Says will continue to work on autonomous driving while being as careful and safe as possible. Jensen Huang is speaking on CNBC.

18:15 EDT Tesla falls over 3% afterhours following reports of a recall

18:00 EDT SEACOR subsidiary, Fred. Olsen Windcarrier announce cooperation agreement - Falcon Global, a subsidiary of SEACOR Marine Holdings (SMHI), and Fred. Olsen Windcarrier, a wholly owned subsidiary of BONHEUR ASA, announced they have reached a cooperation agreement whereby each party will exclusively contribute vessels and marine/installation crews to the market and operate a full spread of offshore wind installation and feeder vessels for the U.S. offshore wind market. The efficiency of the vessel spread will shorten installation periods and reduce costs, which will feed renewable energy onto the grid sooner than alternative installation methods. In addition, the vessel spread will enable access to the existing ports and infrastructure.

17:53 EDT WPX Energy completes Gallup sale for $700M - WPX Energy has closed an agreement to sell its holdings in the San Juan Basin's Gallup oil play to Enduring Resources IV, LLC for $700M prior to closing adjustments. A significant portion of the proceeds are slated for debt reduction. WPX now believes it can reduce its net debt/EBITDAX to a target level of 1.5x during 2019. The transaction completes WPX's exit from operations in the San Juan Basin, signaling the company's confidence in its two remaining core positions in the Delaware and Williston basins. WPX's production is now approximately 80% liquids and 20% natural gas. Five years ago, it was the opposite at 80% gas and 20% liquids. WPX has aggressively transformed its portfolio through nearly $8B of transactions.

17:28 EDT Fujifilm announces acquisitions of ISUS, ISJ for $800M - Fujifilm announced that it is acquiring all the outstanding shares of Irvine Scientific Sales. or ISUS and IS JAPAN, or ISJ, companies in cell culture media, and signed a stock purchase agreement for about $800M. The market for cell culture media is expanding following the dramatic growth in the demand for biopharmaceuticals centered around antibody drugs and the increasing need for treatments using cells, and its annual growth is expected to be approximately 10% going forward. ISUS and ISJ are leading companies in cell culture media with a wide range of products including culture media for biopharmaceutical production, in vitro fertilization and cell therapy. These companies can develop custom culture media to meet the customers' needs by utilizing their extensive capabilities in quality control, research and development, and their proven track record and know-how accumulated over the years. ISUS distributes mainly in the U.S. and Europe, while ISJ distributes mainly in Japan and Asia, providing culture media to pharmaceutical companies, bio-ventures, and academia around the world.

17:19 EDT Millennium Pharmaceuticals reports 12.2% passive stake in Myovant Sciences

17:17 EDT General Atomics awarded $295.6M U.S. Air Force contract - General Atomics Aeronautical Systems Inc., Poway, California, has been awarded a $295,654,506 firm-fixed-price contract for MQ-9 Reaper production. This contract provides for the production of the MQ-9 Reaper aircraft in the fiscal 2017 production configuration. Work will be performed in Poway, California, and is expected to be complete by July 29, 2021.

17:17 EDT Raytheon awarded $460M U.S. Air Force contract - Raytheon Self Protect Systems has been awarded a $460,000,000 indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract for the AN/ALR-69A digital Radar Warning Receiver system. This contract provides for the fabrication, integration, testing and delivery of line replaceable units and shop replaceable units. Work will be performed in Goleta, California; and Forest, Mississippi, and is expected to be complete by March 2025.

17:11 EDT Senseonics rises over 10% afterhours after FDA committee report on Eversense

17:10 EDT Senseonics announces favorable outcome of FDA committee on Eversense - Senseonics Holdings announced a favorable outcome of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration Clinical Chemistry and Clinical Toxicology Devices meeting on the Eversense system. The panel, comprised of independent medical experts, voted unanimously, 8 to 0, that the benefits outweigh the risks, voted unanimously, 8 to 0, that the system is safe, and voted unanimously, 8 to 0, that the system is effective. "We are pleased that the advisory panel believes in the benefits of the Eversense system. We are confident that the benefits of the system - longest life sensor, sustained accuracy, predictive glucose alerts, removable smart transmitter, gentle-on-skin adhesive - can be life changing for people with diabetes, and this is another step toward offering these benefits to patients in the U.S.," stated Tim Goodnow, President and Chief Executive Officer of Senseonics. "We thank the panel members, the participants in today's meeting, the clinical trial participants and the FDA, and are eager to continue the positive dialogue with FDA in pursuit of approval for Eversense."

17:03 EDT Anita Zucker reports 8.76% stake in Cemtrex - At March 28 the Trust, through its subsidiary NIL Funding Corporation, owns 1,012,625 shares of the Cemtrex 's common stock. Mrs. Zucker, as Trustee of the Trust, has sole voting, investment and dispositive power with respect to those shares. The shares beneficially owned aggregate 8.76% of the Cemtrex's common stock.

17:01 EDT LHC Group, Almost Family announce stockholder approval of merger - LHC Group (LHCG) and Almost Family (AFAM) announced that, based on a preliminary count of the voting results, the stockholders of both LHC Group and Almost Family overwhelmingly approved the previously announced merger of equals between the two companies at their respective special meetings held earlier today. Following the special meetings, the two companies closed the merger, which will become effective on April 1, 2018. Consistent with previous announcements, LHC Group expects to update its 2018 guidance to include the operations of Almost Family for fiscal 2018 following the effectiveness of the merger.

16:53 EDT ADW Capital Partners reports 6.9% passive stake in PAR Technology

16:46 EDT K2M Group names Lane Major as COO, effective immediately - K2M Group announced the appointment of Lane Major as COO, a new position within K2M, effective immediately. Major brings more than 15 years of spine industry experience, most recently as K2M's Chief Strategy Officer, a position held following his service as K2M's Senior Vice President of Global Marketing & Product Development. He has been with K2M since the company's inception in 2004 and has been essential to the development and commercialization of K2M's product portfolio.

16:36 EDT Recro Pharma appointments new employees in acute care commercialization - Recro Pharma announced the expansion of its team through the appointment of seven new employees associated with acute care commercialization. The individuals in this group bring an average of over 15 years of hospital product launch and sales experience and have served in key roles on a wide range of branded products at world class, commercial stage organizations, including Allergan, Astellas, Cubist, GlaxoSmithKline, Mallinckrodt, the Medicines Company, Pacira and Sanofi, among several others.

16:34 EDT Chimerix names Martha J. Demski chair of the board - Chimerix announced the appointment of Martha J. Demski as chair of the board of directors. Martha will succeed Ernest Mario, PhD, who is retiring as of the Chimerix 2018 Annual Meeting of Stockholders in June. Edward F. Greissing, Jr., Robert J. Meyer, MD and Fred A. Middleton have joined the company's board of directors as of March 28, 2018. Directors John M. Leonard, MD and James Niedel, MD, PhD, will step down from the Board in June. Following the company's Annual Meeting of Stockholders in June, Greissing will serve on and chair the Nominating and Governance Committee, Dr. Meyer will serve on the Compensation Committee, and Middleton will serve on and chair the Audit Committee.

16:32 EDT Baidu announces iQIYI IPO price of $18 per ADS - Baidu (BIDU) announced the pricing of the initial public offering by its subsidiary iQIYI, Inc. (IQ) of 125,000,000 American Depositary Shares, each representing seven Class A Ordinary Shares of iQIYI, at a price of $18.00 per ADS for a total offering size of $2.25B, assuming the underwriters do not exercise their option to purchase additional ADSs. The ADSs have been approved for listing on the NASDAQ Global Market and are expected to begin trading today under the ticker symbol "IQ." The company hassubscribed for, and has been allocated by the underwriters, 8,333,333 ADSs in this offering at the initial public offering price. The underwriters have been granted an option, exercisable within 30 days from the date of the final prospectus, to purchase up to an additional 18,750,000 ADSs.

16:24 EDT Sandstorm Gold renews normal course issuer bid - Sandstorm Gold announces that the Company's normal course issuer bid is being renewed after the existing NCIB expires on April 4, 2018. The NCIB provides Sandstorm with the option to purchase the company's common shares from time to time when Sandstorm's management believes that the common shares are undervalued by the market. Under the renewed NCIB, Sandstorm may purchase up to 9,191,777 of its common shares, representing 5% of the Company's issued and outstanding common shares of 183,823,556 as of March 19, 2018. The Toronto Stock Exchange has accepted the company's notice that it intends to proceed with a NCIB in accordance with TSX rules. Purchases under the renewed NCIB may commence on April 5, 2018 and will terminate on the earlier of April 4, 2019, the date that Sandstorm completes its purchases pursuant to the NCIB as filed with the TSX, or the date of notice by Sandstorm of termination of the NCIB.

16:19 EDT Fairmount Santrol Unimin announce combined leadership after merger - Fairmount Santrol announced the future executive leadership team of the combined company, to serve effective upon completion of the previously disclosed proposed transaction between Unimin and Fairmount Santrol. Michael Biehl, Fairmount Santrol's current Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, will continue to serve in his capacity as such through the close of the merger. He has also agreed to stay on as Executive Vice President of the combined company to assist with the combined company's integration through the 2018 financial reporting cycle. Mr. Biehl joined Fairmount Santrol in 2016 during a challenging energy cycle, and under his leadership, the company has achieved several significant accomplishments, including refinancing its debt and orchestrating two equity offerings in order to strengthen the company's capital structure, as well as securing Fairmount Santrol's Kermit mine with a long-term lease structure.Deckard continued, "We are very pleased with the transitional and long-term leadership plans put in place thus far. I want to recognize all of our leaders for their continued dedication as we plan for the combined company and to thank those, in particular, who will be continuing in advisory roles following the closing to help ensure a seamless transition and integration. I would like to especially thank Michael Biehl for his dedicated and continued leadership." The merger, which has been approved by the Boards of Directors of both companies and received notice from the U.S. Federal Trade Commission that early termination of the waiting period under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act of 1976, as amended, was granted, is expected to close in mid-2018,

16:18 EDT Mercury Systems announces new microelectronics package - Mercury Systems announced BuiltSECURE System-in-Package, a new microelectronics packaging technology designed for high-performance, SWaP-constrained defense embedded computing systems. combining the company's deep domain expertise in systems security engineering and three-dimensional microelectronics packaging, this innovation is ideal for platform management systems, mission management systems and command, control and intelligence applications.

16:17 EDT Vista Outdoor names Miguel Lopez as CFO - Vista Outdoor has named Miguel Lopez as the company's Senior VP and CFO, effective April 16. Lopez most recently served as the CFO of Veritas Technologies, an international data management company, from 2016 to 2017. Prior to joining Veritas Technologies, he was the CFO for Harris.

16:16 EDT Americold Realty Trust names Jim Snyder as EVP and chief legal officer - Americold Realty Trust recently appointed Jim Snyder as executive vice president and chief legal officer. Snyder will lead Americold's legal and risk management operations and serve as corporate secretary and strategic advisor to the executive leadership team. As chief legal officer, Snyder will work closely with the board of trustees and management to bring leadership to the company's legal function. Snyder brings more than 20 years of executive-level legal experience to Americold, having previously served in senior roles with Home Depot, Family Dollar Stores and, most recently, Pet Retail Brands as chief legal officer.

16:11 EDT Connection names Stephen Sarno as new CFO - Connection announced that Stephen P. Sarno has joined the Company as Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer, and Treasurer reporting to Timothy McGrath, President and Chief Executive Officer. Mr. Sarno's appointment was effective on March 28, 2018. Prior to joining Connection, Mr. Sarno served as Chief Financial Officer of Wyless, Inc., a privately held international provider of wireless data communication services. Previously he has served as Chief Accounting Officer of several other public companies including Sapient Corporation, a global services firm, and Exa Corporation, a global developer and distributor of computer-aided engineering software and was a Senior Manager for 10 years at PricewaterhouseCoopers.

16:09 EDT Pacira reports departure of COO Braunstein - Pacira Pharmaceuticals disclosed in a filing that as of March 27, Scott Braunstein, the Chief Operating Officer of the company, has left the company to pursue other opportunities. "David Stack, Chairman and CEO of the company, will assume the duties of Braunstein, with all of the company's stated 2018 commercial objectives and ongoing operations expected to continue as planned," Pacira added.

16:06 EDT Advanced Energy appoints Paul Oldham as CFO - Advanced Energy Industries announced that Paul Oldham, former senior VP of administration, CFO and corporate secretary of Electro Scientific Industries, will join the company as its executive VP and CFO on May 2, reporting to CEO Yuval Wasserman.

15:45 EDT Alliance Data affirms guidance, says Facebook changes shouldn't impact Epsilon - Alliance Data stated: "As a result of the volume of investor and analyst inquiries regarding Facebook's recent announcement regarding the wind-down of its relationships with "data brokers," the Company is issuing the following statements: Epsilon and its affiliates primarily help clients use their first-party data to more effectively reach consumers across many channels; Neither Epsilon nor any of its affiliates has any material relationship with any social media platform -- Epsilon works primarily through non-social media channels, which enhances its ability to measure marketing ROI; Epsilon and its affiliates are leaders in data privacy -- protecting consumer privacy, safeguarding data and promoting trust in marketing are fundamental to our businesses; and Facebook's recently announced policy changes with respect to 'data brokers' are not expected to have any material impact on Epsilon and its affiliates, or Alliance Data as a whole, and Alliance Data is reaffirming the financial guidance previously provided."

15:43 EDT TowneBank announces new corporate management group, J. Morgan Davis to be CEO - TowneBank announced the approval of a new corporate management group designed to construct and implement the first phase of a growth continuation strategy to prepare the company for the next decade of growth. Under the new team-based structure, Founding chairman of the board and CEO, G. Robert Aston, Jr, has assumed the newly created position of executive chairman of the board with continued responsibility for corporate strategy, corporate governance, marketing and human resources. J. Morgan Davis, currently president and CBO, has assumed the additional role of CEO with overall responsibility for corporate growth and profitability. Davis, also one of the bank's founding officers, has previously served as president and CEO of Towne Financial Services and as president of TowneBank of Virginia Beach. William Littreal has joined the corporate management group in his new role as senior executive VP and CFO and will continue in his investor relations position. The company expects to make a number of other executive appointments for several other members of the senior management team as the company further aligns its enhanced management structure in preparation for the future.

15:21 EDT Amgen confirms FDA approval of Blincyto - Amgen announced the FDA has approved the supplemental Biologics License Application, or sBLA, for Blincyto for the treatment of adults and children with B-cell precursor acute lymphoblastic leukemia in first or second complete remission with minimal residual disease greater than or equal to 0.1%. This indication is approved under accelerated approval based on MRD response rate and hematological relapse-free survival. Continued approval for this indication may be contingent upon verification and description of clinical benefit in the confirmatory trials.

14:46 EDT Twitter launches 'Timestamps' to allow sharing of 'exact' part of video - Twitter announced earlier that it has built Timestamps "which lets anyone Tweet a live or replay video starting from the exact moment they want to discuss. Sharing Timestamps is easy. When you tap to share a live video, you can easily slide back to the exact time you want your audience to watch. From there, add your thoughts, and Tweet it to the world." Reference Link

14:07 EDT Exxon Mobil wins eight deepwater blocks in latest Brazil bid round - ExxonMobil announced that it has increased its holdings in Brazil's pre-salt basins after winning eight additional exploration blocks during Brazil's 15th bid round. The blocks awarded add about 640,000 net acres to the ExxonMobil portfolio. Six of the eight newly awarded blocks will be operated by ExxonMobil. The company now has interests in 24 blocks offshore Brazil. The additional blocks expand the company's total position in the country to more than two million net acres, making it one of the largest acreage holders among international companies in Brazil, the company added. ExxonMobil plans to obtain 3-D seismic coverage in 2018 on more than 4,000 square kilometers, including all of the ExxonMobil-operated exploration blocks announced in 2017, subject to permitting approvals.

13:33 EDT Pinnacle holders proposed acquisition by Penn National - Pinnacle Entertainment (PNK) announced the results of its special meeting of stockholders, which was held on March 29, 2018 to vote on matters related to the proposed acquisition of the company by Penn National Gaming (PENN). At the special meeting, Pinnacle stockholders approved the acquisition of the company by Penn by voting affirmatively to adopt the merger agreement for the transaction. In addition, Penn today announced that its shareholders voted to approve its proposal to issue shares of Penn common stock to the stockholders of Pinnacle as part of the consideration in the transaction. The full results of the vote will be reported on a Form 8-K that the company will file with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.

13:26 EDT Snap falls over 1% amid broader technology rally - Shares of Snap (SNAP) are down approximately 1.1% to $15.78, while technology shares as measured by the PowerShares QQQ ETF are up 1.3%.

13:14 EDT Analyst slashes Starbucks price target after seeing slower sales in China - Starbucks (SBUX ) is not participating in Thursday's rally after an analyst at Wedbush Starbucks lowered his rating on the stock to Neutral from Outperform. In a research note, Wedbush analyst Nick Setyan downgraded shares of the coffee retailer to Neutral from Outperform, saying he sees acceleration slowing this year, with risks increasing in 2019. While the analyst sees comparable store sales, or SSS, growth pretty much in-line with expectations this year, he sees a decline in the rate of SSS growth rendering "upside to current expectations less likely." With its first quarter results, Starbucks said it anticipated "softer" Q2 results than Q1. Starbucks CEO Kevin Johnson said, "We are laser-focused on accelerating growth in China and driving improvement across the U.S. business as we move into and through the back half of the year, and remain committed to delivering on the long-term targets we announced last quarter." ASIA EXPECTATIONS TOO HIGH: In late January, management at the coffee retailer said its China business would contribute approximately 25% of its yearly sales growth for 2018 and 2019. Wedbush's Setyan differs with that view, predicting China will only produce 20% of the company's revenue growth in fiscal 2019. "Our analysis indicates the Mainland China business is poised to drive ~1/5 of FY19 total revenue growth absent a meaningful acceleration in unit growth and SSS growth," said the analyst. ANALYST LOWERS EPS VIEW: Wedbush lowered its fiscal year 2018 EPS view to $2.48 from $2.50 and its 2019 EPS estimate to $2.79 from $2.84. Setyan slashed his 12-month price target for Starbucks to $56 from $70. PRICE ACTION: Shares of Starbucks are fractionally lower to $57.57 per share in early afternoon trading.

13:05 EDT Astellas Pharma granted orphan status for DMD treatment - The FDA granted Astellas Pharma orphan status for its treatment of Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Reference Link

13:01 EDT Orbital ATK announces expansion of Mesa, Arizona operations - Orbital ATK and Arizona Governor Doug Ducey announced the expansion of the company's production facility in Mesa, Arizona. The Mesa-based operation produces the Bushmaster family of medium caliber cannons that provide the U.S. military and its allies with weapons for air, land and sea combat platforms. The company has either installed or is on contract to provide its cannons to more than 50 nations globally. The new 36,000 square foot facility will support the company's ability to increase production capacity through collocating Orbital ATK's warehouse and manufacturing operations into one site. In addition to manufacturing new cannons, Orbital ATK also offers aftermarket services providing spare parts, upgrades and operational training. It also provides maintenance which can range from either on-site service and repair to a full up remanufacturing capability at its Mesa facility.

12:45 EDT The Intersection: Crypto and Wall Street This Week - As bitcoin, ethereum and other cryptocurrencies get increasing attention from investors, Wall Street and its traditional banks continue to adjust to the shift. Catch up on this week's top stories highlighting the intersection of these old guard and new school areas of finance with this recap compiled by The Fly: 1. TWITTER BANS CRYPTO ADS: In a statement provided to Reuters on Monday, Twitter (TWTR) said it will launch a policy this week that bans most advertising of cryptocurrencies on its platform. Twitter will prohibit advertising of initial coin offerings as well as advertisements that promote token sales and crypto wallet services. The policy, which follows similar moves by Facebook (FB) and Google (GOOG, GOOGL), will also prohibit advertisements from crypto-exchanges with some limited exceptions. 2. REDDIT DROPS BITCOIN PAYMENTS: Early bitcoin adopter Reddit has disabled the option to pay for its premium membership with the cryptocurrency as it watches the development of the Coinbase Commerce platform, Bloomberg reported Wednesday. 3. COINBASE TO SUPPORT ETHEREUM ERC20 TOKENS: In a Tuesday blog post, Coinbase said, "We're excited to announce our intention to support the Ethereum ERC20 technical standard for Coinbase in the coming months. This paves the way for supporting ERC20 assets across Coinbase products in the future, though we aren't announcing support for any specific assets or features at this time." ERC20 is a technical standard used for Ethereum smart contracts. 4. CBOE URGES REGULATORS TO ALLOW BITCOIN ETFS: Cboe Global Markets (CBOE) said that U.S. securities regulators should move forward with exchange-traded funds that hold cryptocurrencies such as bitcoin as they are largely the same as other ETFs that hold commodities, Reuters reported Monday. In response to the SEC saying that "significant investor protection issues" need to be examined before bitcoin-based ETFs can be offered, the exchange operator sent a letter to the SEC saying that "the vast majority of these concerns can be addressed within the existing framework for commodity-related funds related to valuation, liquidity, custody, arbitrage, and manipulation." The SEC has denied or tabled over a dozen proposals for funds that would own bitcoin or futures based on them, including for separate proposals by CBOE. 5. JAPAN CRYPTO EXCHANGES CLOSE: Japanese cryptocurrency market operators Tokyo GateWay and Mr. Exchange are withdrawing their applications to register as exchange operators with the Financial Services Agency amid increased regulatory scrutiny of the sector, Nikkei Asian Review reported Thursday. The move by the companies, which will return clients' cash and cryptocurrency holdings, comes after the FSA had previously ordered both exchanges to improve their data security and other safeguards following a half-a-billion dollar cryptocurrency theft at exchange Coincheck. Exchanges Raimu, bitExpress and Bit Station also decided to pull their applications with the FSA since the hack. 6. CRYPTO CHATTER: Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta president Raphael Bostic urged investors to avoid digital currencies like bitcoin, Bloomberg reported Tuesday. "Don't do it,'' he said, "They are speculative markets. They are not currency. If you have money you really need, do not put it in these markets.'' CRYPTO STOCK PLAYS: Cryptocurrency revenues have been pointed to as reasons to be bullish on Advanced Micro Devices (AMD) and Nvidia (NVDA) in select research. Overstock (OSTK), DPW Holdings (DPW), Long Blockchain (LBCC), Kodak (KODK), Seven Stars Cloud Group (SSC), Riot Blockchain (RIOT), Longfin (LFIN), Pareteum (TEUM) and Social Reality (SRAX) are other stocks that have been touted, or promoted themselves, as a way to play the crypto theme PRICE ACTION: As of time of writing, bitcoin dropped roughly 13.6% this week to $7,513 in U.S. dollars according to CoinDesk. WANT BITCOIN NEWS ALERTS?: To receive alerts on stories relating to bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies, Fly subscribers can enter "Bitcoin" into the "Add symbols" box of their portfolios.

12:37 EDT Dana: 'Unlikely' that proposed combination with GKN Driveline will proceed - Dana Incorporated acknowledges the decision by a majority of the shareholders of GKN plc to accept the proposal by Melrose Industries plc to acquire GKN. As a consequence, it appears "unlikely" that the proposed combination with GKN Driveline will proceed. "We are, of course, disappointed by today's outcome and continue to believe Dana would be the best owner and operator of GKN Driveline," said James Kamsickas, Dana president and CEO. "This has always been an opportunity, not a required or critical asset. Dana is a strong, thriving company, and we will continue our focus on the execution of our enterprise strategy, delivering for customers and remaining responsible stewards of our shareholders' capital."

11:51 EDT Sabby Management reports 6.08% passive stake in Citius Pharmaceuticals

11:47 EDT Meredith to sell Meredith Xcelerated Marketing to Accenture - Meredith Corporation (MDP) announced that it has entered into an agreement to sell Meredith Xcelerated Marketing, or MXM, to Accenture (ACN). Financial terms of the transaction are not being disclosed. Meredith said the transaction will not have a material effect on its fiscal 2018 financial results. The acquisition is expected to close within 60 days, subject to customary closing conditions. Tom Harty, President and CEO of Meredith, said: "MXM has been an important contributor to Meredith's business over the years, and we are very proud of the groundbreaking work our employees have accomplished. However, given our recent acquisition of Time Inc. and our enhanced commitment to delivering consumer content across multiple media platforms, we believe MXM will be better positioned for growth with Accenture Interactive."

11:25 EDT Trump Effect: VA leadership change seen adding uncertainty to Cerner - In a research note this morning, Wells Fargo analyst Jamie Stockton told investors that the change in the Veteran Affairs leadership announced yesterday by President Trump puts in doubt the timing and potentially the certainty of Cerner (CERN) signing a $10B deal to modernize the VA infrastructure for medical records. Voicing a similar opinion, his peer at William Blair noted that Shulkin was viewed as a key player in sole sourcing the VA's electronic health record modernization project to Cerner. VA LEADERSHIP CHANGE: Yesterday, U.S. President Donald Trump announced via Twitter that he intends to nominate Ronny Jackson as the new Secretary of Veterans Affairs, replacing David Shulkin. Trump said that, in the interim, Robert Wilkie of the Department of Defense will serve as Acting Secretary. "I am thankful for Dr. David Shulkin's service to our country and to our GREAT VETERANS!" the President tweeted. UNCERTAINTY TO CERNER CONTRACT: After the announcement that VA Secretary David Shulkin had been fired and the White House plans to nominate presidential physician Ronny Jackson as the new VA Secretary, Wells Fargo's Stockton told investors that he believes this disruption in leadership at the VA puts in doubt the timing and potentially the certainty of Cerner signing a long-awaited over $10B deal to modernize the VA infrastructure for medical records. The VA announced in June 2017 that it chose Cerner in a no-bid process to modernize its medical record infrastructure, the analyst pointed out, adding that the contract was originally expected to be signed by November 2017, but has continuously slipped as contract terms were negotiated. Stockton argued that it could take many months to sort out the new leadership at the VA, with the contract unlikely to be signed during that process. Nonetheless, the analyst noted that he still believes the VA needs to move from its self-developed medical record to a more modern platform and Cerner is the logical choice. Stockton reiterated an Outperform rating and $75 price target on the shares. Meanwhile, William Blair analyst Jeffrey Garro told investors in a research note of his own that he believes President Trump's dismissal of David Shulkin adds uncertainty to Cerner. Secretary Shulkin was viewed as a key player in sole sourcing the VA's electronic health record modernization project to Cerner, Garro contended. Nonetheless, he does not believe Shulkin was the only advocate for the EHRM project and decision to sole source to Cerner. The analyst thinks the project has progressed to the point where it is more likely than not that it will move forward without Shulkin. Garro reiterated an Outperform rating on Cerner's shares. PRICE ACTION: In late morning trading, shares of Cerner have dropped 1% to $58.03. "Trump Effect" is The Fly's recurring series of exclusive stories that highlight stocks that are being impacted, or are predicted to be impacted, by the comments, actions and policies of President Trump and his administration.

10:57 EDT Constellation Brands says beer business continues to be 'powerhouse for growth' - Says made planned strategic investments in beer business. Says beer business continues to be "powerhouse for growth". Says Constellation continues to be number one growth contributor to U.S. beer market. Says well-positioned to support growth of Corona brand family in 2019. Says will launch ad campaign in support of Corona Familiar and Corona Premier in 1H19. Says will increase Modelo dedicated media spend by 20% in FY19. Says will launch Pacifico 12-pack cans in 2019. Says excited about Svedka spiked premium seltzer, will begin test marketing this summer. Says will also be testing Corona Refresca. Says focused on driving growth from Focus Brands in Wine and Spirits segment. Says focusing on capitalizing on hot trends. Says will continue to evolve e-commerce strategy and direct-to-consumer initiatives. Says wine industry has stabilized and remains healthy. Comments taken from Q4 earnings conference call.

10:40 EDT Box Office Battle: 'Ready Player One,' 'Acrimony' expected to take top spots - Opening this weekend, and expected to take the top spot at the box office, is Time Warner (TWX) subsidiary Warner Bros. sci-fi action flick "Ready Player One," based on the best-selling novel of the same name by Ernest Cline. The film, directed by Steven Spielberg, is expected to open domestically around $41M for the three day weekend, and the $45M-$50M range for the four-day holiday weekend. Also opening this weekend, and expected to finish second, is Lionsgate's (LGF.A, LGF.B) thriller "Acrimony," written and directed by Tyler Perry and starring Taraji P. Henson, which is looking to earn about $15.5M over the three-day weekend. Comcast (CMCSA, CMCSK) subsidiary Universal's sci-fi action movie "Pacific Rim Uprising," which won the box office last weekend, is expected to earn an additional $12M-$13M in its second weekend at theaters. Roadside Attractions family film "I Can Only Imagine" is looking to gross an additional $10M-$11M in its third weekend in theaters. Other publicly traded companies in filmmaking include 21st Century Fox (FOX, FOXA), Disney (DIS), Sony (SNE), and Viacom (VIA, VIAB).

09:50 EDT FMC Corporation up 4.2% to $76.16 after updating Q1, FY18 guidance

09:32 EDT Exelon files to retire Mystic generating station in 2022 - Exelon Generation announced it has filed with the ISO New England to retire Mystic Generating Station's Units 7, 8, 9, and the Jet unit on June 1, 2022. Absent any regulatory reforms to properly value reliability and regional fuel security, these units will not participate in the Forward Capacity Auction scheduled for February 2019. Transaction closure is dependent upon regulatory review by the U.S. Department of Energy for LNG import authorization and, as necessary, authorization from the U.S. Department of Justice. The transaction is expected to close in the fourth quarter of 2018.

09:25 EDT PVH Corp. sees FY18 share repurchases of $200M-$250M - Expects to pay down at least $250M of debt in FY18. Sees FY18 CapEx $450M. Sees Calvin Klein earnings growth in HSD for FY18.

09:20 EDT PVH Corp. says planning 2H18 'conservatively' - On its Q4 earnings call, PVH said its international businesses are the "highlight" of its Q4 and FY17 performance. Says that international units now represent over 50% of revenues, over 60% of EBIT. Says Fall 2018 orders for Tommy Hilfiger running up over 10%. Says Calvin Klein had a "tremendous" year. Says Spring Calvin Klein order book up over 25%, sees Fall 2018 order book up again over 25%. Notes macro, geopolitical volatility, says global retail landscape "uncertain." Says planning 2H18 "conservatively." Comments taken from the Q4 earnings conference call. PVH Corp is up about 4% ahead of the market open.

09:16 EDT Barclays agrees to pay $2B in civil penalties to resolve RMBS fraud claims - The United States has reached agreement with Barclays Capital and several of its affiliates to settle a civil action filed in December 2016 in which the United States sought civil penalties for alleged conduct related to Barclays' underwriting and issuance of residential mortgage-backed securities, or RMBS, between 2005 and 2007. Barclays will pay the United States $2B in civil penalties in exchange for dismissal of the Amended Complaint, the Department of Justice announced. Agreement has also been reached with the two former Barclays executives who were named as defendants in the suit: Paul K. Menefee, of Austin, Texas, who served as Barclays' head banker on its subprime RMBS securitizations, and John T. Carroll, of Port Washington, New York, who served as Barclays' head trader for subprime loan acquisitions. In exchange for dismissal of the claims against them, Menefee and Carroll agree to pay the United States the combined sum of $2M in civil penalties.

09:12 EDT Newtek signe LOI for new $75M credit facility with Capital One - Newtek Business Services (NEWT) announced the execution of a letter of intent for a proposed $75M senior secured revolving credit facility through Capital One, National Association (COF). The facility will be available to a newly formed wholly owned portfolio company, Newtek Business Lending, to originate loans under the SBA 504 loan program to small businesses for the purposes of, among others, financing the purchases of buildings, land and machinery, as well as construction of new facilities or modernizing, renovating or converting existing facilities. The company expects the facility to contain a $75M accordion feature which would allow NBL to increase the borrowing available under the facility to $150M, subject to lender approval. This SBA 504 facility will be separate and distinct from the $100M SBA 7revolving credit facility that Newtek Small Business Finance, has through Capital One. The facility is subject to final documentation and approvals.

09:11 EDT Unit Corp. trading resumes

09:10 EDT ZK International Group incorporates Ugandan subsidiary for market expansion - ZK International Group is looking to expand its business operations into the emerging metal pipe market located in Africa, initially targeting Uganda for its growth in the Oil and Gas sectors. China is heavily investing in the country's transport and energy infrastructure. ZK International is looking to the Ugandan government's oil and gas initiative to build a 1,445 KM pipeline from Lake Albert in Uganda to the Port of Tanga in Tanzania. These projects combined are estimated to cost approximately $18.46B, or $17.50/barrel. ZK International has incorporated a wholly owned subsidiary, ZK International Uganda Limited, in Uganda and will now begin the process of Uganda Revenue Authority Registration to begin bidding on the contracts being offered by The Petroleum Authority of Uganda.

09:08 EDT Mondelez names Marin Renaud as global CMO - Mondelez International (MDLZ) announced that it has named Martin Renaud as global chief marketing officer. In this position, Renaud will be accountable for marketing the company's portfolio of Power Brands. He will oversee the teams responsible for brand strategy and agency relationships, marketing capability as well as media and digital. Martin joins the company from Danone (DANOY), where he was most recently president, Fresh Dairy for Europe. As part of the company's commitment to reinvent Marketing, Mondelez International is making incremental investments, setting the stage for the function to lead its growth agenda in the short and long term. In addition to hiring a new global chief marketing officer, the company has created four new regional chief marketing officer roles to bolster leadership and accelerate execution. Debora Koyama assumes the role of regional chief marketing officer for Europe, joining from ABInBev (BUD) where she recently was the global marketing VP for Stella Artois & Craft. Jason Levine is promoted to the role of regional chief marketing officer for North America. Maria Mujica is promoted to the role of regional chief marketing officer for Latin America. Mie-Leng Wong joins the company as regional chief marketing officer for Asia, Middle East and Africa.

09:05 EDT GoPro launches entry-level HERO camera for $199 - GoPro has added a new HERO camera to the family. On sale now, HERO is a $199, go-anywhere, capture-anything camera that makes it easy to share experiences that would be difficult to capture with a phone. HERO features a 2-inch touch display, is waterproof to 30 feet and is extremely durable, making it the perfect GoPro for kids, adventurous social sharers and travelers.

09:04 EDT Intel reports judgment of Enterprise Chamber for purchase of Mobileye shares - Intel and Mobileye B.V. announced that a final judgment was rendered by the Enterprise Chamber of the Amsterdam Court of Appeals on March 27, 2018 in the statutory compulsory acquisition proceeding initiated by Cyclops Holdings, LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Intel, for all remaining outstanding Mobileye shares. The Enterprise Chamber has ordered all minority Mobileye shareholders to transfer their Mobileye shares to Cyclops in exchange for a payment of $63.54 per share in cash, increased by statutory interest accrued from August 21, 2017 until the date such Mobileye shares are transferred to Cyclops and minus any distributions made on such Mobileye shares in that same period. All payments for Mobileye shares will be made subject to applicable withholding taxes. In accordance with the withholding tax ruling from the Israeli Tax Authority, any payment for Mobileye shares pursuant to the Enterprise Chamber's ruling will be subject to the completion and delivery of a Declaration of Status for Israeli Income Tax Purposes in the same form as was required for Mobileye shares tendered in the previously announced and completed tender offer.

09:04 EDT Intel reports judgement of Enterprise Chamber for purchase of Mobileye shares - Intel and Mobileye B.V. announced that a final judgment was rendered by the Enterprise Chamber of the Amsterdam Court of Appeals on March 27, 2018 in the statutory compulsory acquisition proceeding initiated by Cyclops Holdings, LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Intel, for all remaining outstanding Mobileye shares. The Enterprise Chamber has ordered all minority Mobileye shareholders to transfer their Mobileye shares to Cyclops in exchange for a payment of $63.54 per share in cash, increased by statutory interest accrued from August 21, 2017 until the date such Mobileye shares are transferred to Cyclops and minus any distributions made on such Mobileye shares in that same period. All payments for Mobileye shares will be made subject to applicable withholding taxes. In accordance with the withholding tax ruling from the Israeli Tax Authority, any payment for Mobileye shares pursuant to the Enterprise Chamber's ruling will be subject to the completion and delivery of a Declaration of Status for Israeli Income Tax Purposes in the same form as was required for Mobileye shares tendered in the previously announced and completed tender offer.

09:02 EDT Bank of America to open 600 more Merrill Edge investment centers - Bank of America announced that Merrill Edge will open 600 new investment centers within its expanding coast-to-coast financial center footprint, bringing its total to 2,800 by 2020. The effort is part of Bank of America's previously mentioned plan to invest heavily in both its physical and digital presence across the United States, entering new markets and redesigning more than a third of its existing financial centers. To meet growing client demand for investment services, Merrill Edge also expects to add 300 new Financial Solutions Advisors for a total of 4,000 representatives by year-end. The 600 new Merrill Edge investment centers will be added to new and existing Bank of America financial center locations.

09:02 EDT Arthur J. Gallagher acquires McGregor & Associates, terms not disclosed - Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. announced the acquisition of McGregor & Associates in San Diego, California. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed. McGregor & Associates, founded in 1993 by George McGregor, is a health benefits administrator serving public and private sector clients throughout the state of California.

08:42 EDT Worthington expects Q4 demand to 'remain steady' - "I am pleased with our solid results from our third quarter performance with year-over-year growth," said John McConnell, Chairman and CEO. "Both our Steel Processing and Pressure Cylinders segments had good quarters with agriculture and heavy truck markets leading demand in steel, while cylinders saw strength in the consumer and industrial businesses...The integration of our largest acquisition, Amtrol, continues to go well and we expect that in the fourth quarter demand will remain steady in most of the markets we serve."

08:40 EDT Finish Line CEO: Q4 sales ended up being 'down more than we forecasted' - "While we anticipated that our business would be under pressure during the fourth quarter due to a difficult selling environment for athletic footwear, sales ended up being down more than we forecasted," said Sam Sato, CEO of Finish Line. "Despite the top-line headwinds, we worked hard on tightly controlling costs and managing inventories to deliver adjusted earnings per share for the fourth quarter at the high-end of our most recent guidance range of 58c-59c."

08:35 EDT Precision Therapeutics announces sale of 16 STREAMWAY systems in Q1 - Precision Therapeutics provided a sales update from its Skyline Medical division, producer of the FDA-approved STREAMWAY System for automated, direct-to-drain medical fluid disposal. Skyline Medical sold 16 STREAMWAY Systems in the first 1Q18, to a combination of both new customers as well as its existing customer base. This represents significant sales growth, compared with the five STREAMWAY Systems sold in the 4Q17 and the three STREAMWAY Systems sold in 1Q17. This ramp in sales is due to the company's refocused sales and marketing campaign, which included the hiring of key sales personnel, increased participation at major industry conferences and an awareness campaign related to its disposable products. The company continues to project a total of 100 STREAMWAY System sales in 2018, as announced in its press release dated January 31, 2018. Newly appointed Kevin Hungerford, Global Vice President of Sales and Marketing, will drive these sales and marketing efforts. The Company has also made initial investments in its international sales and marketing strategy by signing independent distribution agreements in Australia, Canada and Switzerland. In early 2018, the Company opened a European Headquarters in Brussels, Belgium, and appointed a Vice President of International Sales, Mr. Jean-Paul Rasschaert.

08:33 EDT AIT Therapeutics granted patent for its NO generator, delivery system - AIT Therapeutics announced that it has been granted a patent from the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. The patent, entitled: "Apparatus and Method for Generating Nitric Oxide in Controlled and Accurate Amounts," covers the filter technology in the Company's NO Generator and Delivery System that generates nitric oxide from room air. The claims in the patent involve technology to reduce NO2 from the gas passing through the filter, while leaving the NO concentration substantially unchanged and provide the generator and delivery system with critical information for the accurate delivery of NO gas. Importantly, the patent covers this technology through October 2032.

08:30 EDT Peabody Energy: Q1 results to be impacted by longwall moves, weather effects

08:30 EDT Peabody Energy reaffirms prior operational, financial targets for FY18 - Peabody announced that it has launched a process to accommodate a repricing of the company's Senior Secured Term Loan to provide additional financial and operational flexibility, extend the maturity profile and reduce its cash interest expense. As part of this process, Peabody is reaffirming its prior operational and financial targets for full-year 2018. First quarter operating results are expected to be impacted by scheduled longwall moves at the Metropolitan and Wambo Mines as well as temporary weather effects and geological conditions in Australia. Relative to full-year guidance, first quarter metallurgical coal costs are expected to be modestly above the annual range. In addition, first quarter Australian export thermal volumes are expected to be approximately 2 million tons. 2018 results are still expected to come within prior targets for the full year. In the first quarter, Peabody repurchased 4.4 million shares, bringing total repurchases under the $500M authorized share buyback program to approximately $350M since initiation. Current shares outstanding now total 126.5 million. In addition, the company has now secured $346M in third-party surety bonds in Australia, enabling the release of nearly all restricted cash by the end of the second quarter of 2018.

08:27 EDT Arkwest Communications adopts Calix AXOS for network transformation - Calix announced Arkwest Communications is moving to a 100% Software Defined Access architecture by deploying the Calix AXOS E7-2 Intelligent Modular System throughout its entire service area. Part of a complete, next-generation network transformation initiative which includes new voice infrastructure and upgraded Calix optical network terminals, Arkwest is future-proofing its GPON network to prepare for advanced services like managed Wi-Fi. By rapidly deploying the award-winning AXOS platform across its entire network, Arkwest will benefit from one common set of operational procedures to accelerate their time to market with these new services.

08:22 EDT Catalyst Pharmaceuticals submits NDA for Firdapse for treatment of LEMS - Catalyst Pharmaceuticals announced its submission of a New Drug Application to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for Firdapse for the symptomatic treatment of Lambert-Eaton myasthenic syndrome. Last month, Catalyst announced the results of its recent positive Type C meeting with the FDA and reported that the minutes of the meeting received from the Agency reflect the FDA's advice to Catalyst that its proposed filing package would be sufficient for submission of an NDA for Firdapse. Last year, Catalyst reported positive top-line results from its second Phase 3 clinical trial of Firdapse for the treatment of LEMS, which was conducted under a protocol agreed to by the FDA through the Special Protocol Assessment process. Catalyst also reported on its decision not to include in this FDA submission those limited types of congenital myasthenic syndrome that are considered mechanistically similar to LEMS. Catalyst reported that while it considered adding these indications to this NDA submission, after discussion with the FDA at its Type C meeting and further consideration, it decided not to overcomplicate the review of its NDA submission for LEMS with this second indication. Catalyst is currently conducting a Phase 3 trial evaluating Firdapse for the treatment of CMS, and expects to complete enrollment in this trial before the end of the year. Assuming the trial is successful, Catalyst plans to seek to add CMS to its label for Firdapse for a much broader population of CMS patients.The NDA submission addressed the two issues raised in the 2016 Refusal to File letter for the previous Firdapse NDA submission and included all additional information requested by the FDA. Once an NDA is submitted, the FDA has a 60-day filing review period to determine whether the NDA is complete and acceptable for filing, after which time the Agency will notify the company submitting the NDA of its decision. Catalyst plans to communicate the Agency's decision once Catalyst has been notified.

08:18 EDT LPL Financial director Marco Hellman to not seek reelection - LPL Financial Holdings announced that its 2018 annual meeting of stockholders will be held May 17 at noon ET at its offices located at 1055 LPL Way in Fort Mill, S.C. LPL has filed definitive proxy materials with the Securities and Exchange Commission related to the annual meeting. As reflected in the proxy materials, Marco "Mick" Hellman has decided that he will not seek reelection as a director upon expiration of his current term at the annual meeting. With Hellman's decision, eight directors have been nominated for reelection at the 2018 annual meeting of stockholders, as recommended by the board's nominating and governance committee, which is also responsible for identifying, evaluating and recruiting additional qualified persons to serve on the board in the future.

08:13 EDT CareDx completes debt conversion - CareDx announced the completion of the conversion of the full amount outstanding under the notes issued to JGB into CareDx common stock. During March 2018, the conversion of the full $26.3M outstanding under the notes has resulted in the issuance of approximately 6.1 million shares of CareDx common stock to JGB. Following the conversion, there are no amounts outstanding to JGB. Furthermore, $9.4M of the Company's cash, which was restricted under the agreement with JGB, will become available for use. The Company intends to consolidate its remaining $11.4M debt obligation to Danske Bank and the Allenex former majority shareholders into one single term loan with Perceptive Advisors, which is scheduled to fund on April 13, 2018, whereupon the Company can draw an initial tranche of either $15M or $25M. The completion of the JGB conversion significantly reduces debt obligations

08:10 EDT Insmed submits NDA to FDA for ALIS - Insmed Incorporated announced that it has submitted its New Drug Application for ALIS to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for adult patients with Nontuberculous Mycobacterial lung disease caused by Mycobacterium avium complex. The Company anticipates receiving a six-month Priority Review and that the NDA will be reviewed by the Division of Anti-Infective Products. The FDA will have 60 days to review the submission of the NDA to determine if it is complete and acceptable for filing. The FDA has previously designated ALIS as an orphan drug, a breakthrough therapy and a Qualified Infectious Disease Product under the Generating Antibiotic Incentives Now Act.

08:09 EDT Kyocera to build manufacturing plant, will boost ceramic package production 25% - Kyocera announced that it will construct a new manufacturing plant on the premises of its Kagoshima Sendai manufacturing complex to increase production of ceramic microelectronic packages. The company entered into a site location agreement with local governments. Construction is scheduled to begin in April for the new plant, which will be the 22nd facility at Kyocera's Kagoshima Sendai manufacturing complex. The new facility, which Kyocera plans to open in August 2019, will bring a 25% increase in the company's total production capacity for ceramic packages used to house SMD electronic devices and CMOS image sensors.

08:06 EDT Canadian Solar acquires 97.6 MWp solar power project in Argentina - Canadian Solar acquired a 97.6 MWp solar PV project in Cafayate, Salta Province, Argentina. The Cafayate Project was awarded in the second public renewable energy tender in Argentina, receiving a USD denominated 20-year Power Purchase Agreement at $56.28/MWh. Canadian Solar plans to start construction on the plant in July 2018. Once connected to the grid by Q2 of 2019, the plant will generate approximately 235,777 MWh of electricity per year.

08:05 EDT Celsius Holdings' Celsius fitness drink given prime placement at CVS stores - Celsius Holdings (CELH) is entering the drug store channel with distribution of its Originals line at over 550 CVS (CVS) stores nationwide. Celsius global fitness drinks will be positioned in the front checkout lane coolers, a high-visibility placement. Celsius has also expanded in two banners of the global food retailer, Ahold Delhaize: Food Lion and Hannaford. Food Lion has 1,100 stores in the South Atlantic, Georgia, and the Mid-Atlantic, and Hannaford has 189 stores in five states throughout New England.

08:04 EDT Celsius Holdings' Celsius fitness drink given prime placement at CVS stores - Celsius Holdings is entering the drug store channel with distribution of its Originals line at over 550 CVS stores nationwide. Celsius global fitness drinks will be positioned in the front checkout lane coolers, a high-visibility placement. Celsius has also expanded in two banners of the global food retailer, Ahold Delhaize: Food Lion and Hannaford. Food Lion has 1,100 stores in the South Atlantic, Georgia, and the Mid-Atlantic, and Hannaford has 189 stores in five states throughout New England.

08:04 EDT Switch says Munters joins company's utility patent licensing program - Switch announced that Munters has elected to participate in Switch's utility patent licensing program. Switch's licensing program extends the benefits of its patented Exterior Wall Penetrating Multi-Mode HVAC units known in the industry as the Switch TSC. Munters, a global leader in energy efficient air treatment and climate solutions, has been one of Switch's leading global suppliers of the patented TSC 500, part of the Switch MOD facility designs. Munters versatile and rapid response to Switch's requests has set them apart from others. Both parties view the license agreement as an opportunity to explore future strategic customer/vendor opportunities.

08:01 EDT Rite Aid reports expiration of HSR waiting period for Albertsons merger - Rite Aid Corporation announced that the waiting period under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act of 1976, as amended, in connection with its previously announced merger with Albertsons Companies, Inc., expired at 11:59 p.m. ET on March 28, 2018. The expiration of the waiting period under the HSR Act satisfies one of the conditions to the closing of the merger, which remains subject to other customary closing conditions, including but not limited to the approval of Rite Aid's stockholders. "The expiration of the HSR waiting period is an important step toward completing the proposed transaction with Albertsons which will create a truly differentiated leader in food, health and wellness to meet the evolving needs of customers," said Rite Aid Chairman and CEO John Standley. "We remain focused on combining our two organizations to drive growth, profitability and long-term shareholder value."

07:58 EDT Viper Energy announces proposed election to change tax status - Viper Energy Partners (VNOM), a subsidiary of Diamondback Energy (FANG), announced that the Board of Directors of its general partner has unanimously approved a change of Viper's federal income tax status from that of a pass-through partnership to that of a taxable entity via a "check the box" election. Viper does not expect this election to be taxable to Viper or its current unitholders, and Viper's business model will not change. Viper also intends to continue to distribute all operating cash flow to unitholders on a quarterly basis consistent with its existing distribution policy and will look to continue to grow this distribution via both organic growth and accretive mineral acquisitions in oil-weighted basins. Viper believes this election will allow it to significantly expand its investor base, both in the United States and internationally, as well as simplify its tax structure and reporting. Viper began evaluation of this action due to changes in the United States tax code resulting from the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act passed in late 2017. In connection with Viper making the election, Viper and Diamondback will effect a number of related transactions, including the exchange by Diamondback of all its Viper common units for 73,150,000 newly-issued Viper Class B units, which will have voting rights identical to Viper common units but will have no rights to distributions from Viper and 73,150,000 newly-issued units of Viper Energy Partners, which will have no voting rights but will be entitled to distributions from the Operating Subsidiary. Following that exchange, Viper will continue to be the managing member of the Operating Subsidiary, with sole control of its operations, and will own approximately 36% of the outstanding units issued by the Operating Subsidiary, and Diamondback will own the remaining approximately 64% of the outstanding units issued by the Operating Subsidiary. The Operating Subsidiary units and Class B Viper units owned by Diamondback will be exchangeable from time to time for Viper common units. Viper Energy Partners GP, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Diamondback, will continue to serve as Viper's general partner; accordingly, Diamondback will continue to control Viper and Viper's financial results will continue to be consolidated with those of Diamondback. Public unitholders will receive a final Schedule K-1 for the period from January 1, 2018 through the day prior to the effective date of the tax election. Thereafter, they will begin receiving Forms 1099-DIV. Viper expects to declare a common unit distribution for the first quarter of 2018 to be paid on April 27, 2018 to unitholders of record as of April 20, 2018 and will not declare or make any other distributions prior to the regular distribution for the second quarter of 2018. After the effectiveness of the tax status election and the completion of related transactions, the minerals business will continue to be conducted through the Operating Subsidiary, which will be taxed as a partnership for federal and state income tax purposes. This structure is anticipated to provide significant benefits to the business, including operational effectiveness, acquisition and disposition transactional planning flexibility, and income tax efficiency. We anticipate that all of these factors should collectively enhance the distributable cash flow to the Viper investors.

07:47 EDT Jacobs Engineering selected by Saudi Aramco for Zuluf Field development - Jacobs Engineering has been awarded a contract by Saudi Aramco to provide engineering and project management services for the Zuluf Field Development Program's Arab Heavy Crude Oil Increment 600 MBCD - Onshore Central Processing Facilities project, which will provide facilities to process 600,000 barrels of oil per day of Arabian heavy crude oil from the Zuluf offshore field in the Arabian Gulf. Jacobs' scope of work includes the onshore central processing facilities which will contain a new gas/oil separation plant, gas compression facilities, a new water injection plant and pipelines. Work on the Zuluf Field Development program commenced in January.

07:43 EDT Overstock files Supreme Court brief in South Dakota v. Wayfair state tax case - Overstock.com (OSTK), together with fellow online retailers Wayfair (W) and Newegg Inc., filed a legal brief with the United States Supreme Court in the case of South Dakota v. Wayfair Inc., et al. South Dakota is asking the Supreme Court to overturn the long-standing precedent of Quill Corp. v. North Dakota, 504 U.S. 298, a case which prevents a state from compelling an out-of-state company to collect sales tax, unless the company has a physical presence in the taxing state. Overstock and others know that overturning Quill would usher in a new era of ever-growing state powers-not only in cross-border tax, but also in cross-border regulation-all at the expense of consumers and interstate commerce generally. South Dakota is just one state, but South Dakota's arguments seek to compel Internet vendors and other remote sellers to be exposed to the impulse and preferences of each of the nation's 12,000 state and local taxing jurisdictions. Rather than overturn sound Supreme Court precedent, Overstock has long-advocated solutions honoring the Interstate Commerce Clause through Congressional enactment of appropriate sales tax legislation, balancing the interests of states, consumers, and interstate businesses, by providing for simpler and more uniform sales tax administration. Several viable initiatives are now working through Congress, including the Online Sales Simplification Act considered by Mr. Goodlatte, the No Regulation Without Representation Act introduced by Mr. Sensenbrenner, and the Remote Transactions Parity Act introduced by Ms. Noem. Overstock believes overruling the Quill precedent will cause substantial economic disruption for companies seeking to reach a national market through the Internet, from startups and family-owned businesses to larger remote sellers. Consequently, Overstock urges the Supreme Court to reject the erroneous claims of the State and permit Congress to enact balanced federal legislation to address the remote sales tax issue.

07:36 EDT Toyota, Suzuki reach basic agreement toward mutual supply of vehicles in India - Toyota and Suzuki Motor Corporation have concluded a basic agreement toward the mutual supply of hybrid and other vehicles between the two companies for the Indian market. Specifically, Suzuki will supply the Baleno and Vitara Brezza vehicle models to Toyota, while Toyota will supply the Corolla vehicle model to Suzuki. Details on each model, such as the schedule of the start of supply, number of supplied units, vehicle specifications, and supply pricing, will be considered at a later stage. The vehicles will be sold by respective subsidiaries of Toyota and Suzuki based in India through their sales networks. By challenging and competing with each other with the goal of mutual improvement, Toyota and Suzuki aim to invigorate the Indian automotive market to further enhance their respective products and services to be offered to customers. Since February 6, 2017, when Toyota and Suzuki concluded a memorandum toward business partnership, the two companies have been exploring concrete projects for collaboration in areas including environmental technology, safety technology, information technology, and the mutual supply of products and components. The November 2017 announcement of a memorandum of understanding between Toyota and Suzuki to consider a cooperative structure for introducing battery electric vehicles in the Indian market in around 2020 was one outcome of the joint exploration into the partnership. Today's announcement is another outcome and underscores the progress Toyota and Suzuki have together made, and it aims to bolster both companies' product lineups and encourage competition in the Indian automotive market. For the vehicle models covered by the basic agreement, the two companies will enhance their efforts to procure components locally to the extent possible toward the achievement of the "Make in India" initiative promoted by the Indian government. Toyota and Suzuki remain committed to the widespread acceptance and use of less fuel-consuming vehicles to help India reduce its environmental footprint and enhance energy security. Pursuant to the agreement announced on February 6, 2017, the two companies will continue to explore other collaborative projects that will contribute to the attainment of a sustainable mobile society in a manner that ensures fair and free competition.

07:32 EDT Crescita announces launch of Pliaglis in U.S. - Crescita Therapeutics is pleased to announce that the first shipments of Pliaglis have now been received and the product will be launched by the company's U.S. licensing partner. In April 2017, Crescita announced that it had entered into a development and commercialization license agreement with Taro Pharmaceuticals. Under the terms of the Agreement, Crescita granted Taro an exclusive license to the rights to sell and distribute Pliaglis in the U.S. market and for a second-generation enhanced version with patent pending.

07:07 EDT First Majestic plans to invest $27.4M towards exploration of core Mexican assets - For 2018, First Majestic is planning to invest a total of $27.4M towards exploration to drill approximately 183,000 metres across its core Mexican assets. The 2018 exploration program will consist of approximately 25,000 metres of diamond drilling intended to upgrade Resources to Reserves at the six operating mines; approximately 136,000 metres of diamond drilling intended to increase or add new Measured & Indicated or Inferred Resources at the six operating mines, with a focus at Cerro de Santiago in La Parrilla, Nazareno in La Guitarra and the Ermitano West project in Santa Elena; and drill approximately 22,000 metres at the Plomosas Silver Project.

07:04 EDT Auris Medical regains compliance with Nasdaq's minimum bid price requirements - Auris Medical Holding announced it received a letter from Nasdaq confirming that it has regained compliance with the minimum bid price requirement for continued listing on The Nasdaq Capital Market. As previously disclosed, the Company was notified by Nasdaq on March 30, 2017 that it no longer satisfied the minimum bid price requirement for continued listing. Since then, Nasdaq has determined that from March 14 to 27, 2018, the closing bid price of the Company's common stock had been at $1.00 per share or greater. In a letter dated March 28, 2018, Nasdaq notified the company that it has regained compliance with Listing Rule 5550(a)(2) and that the matter is now closed.

06:57 EDT Geo Group's UK joint venture signs eight-year contract in Scotland - GEO Group's transportation joint venture in the United Kingdom, GEO Amey, has signed a contract with the Scottish Prison Service for the provision of court custody and prisoner escort services in Scotland. The contract will have a base term of eight years effective January 26, 2019 with a renewal option period of four years and is expected to have an annual revenue value of approximately $39M. Under the contract, GEOAmey is expected to employ approximately 650 professionals who will be responsible for 170 vehicles and approximately 170,000 annual prisoner movements in Scotland.

06:51 EDT Energizer, Spectrum Brands announce expiration of HSR waiting period - Energizer Holdings (ENR) and Spectrum Brands Holdings (SPB) announced that the Federal Trade Commission has allowed expiration of the waiting period under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act of 1976, as amended, with respect to the previously announced acquisition by Energizer of Spectrum Brands' battery and lighting products business. The expiration of the waiting period under the HSR Act satisfies one of the closing conditions of the pending transaction. The transaction remains subject to other customary closing conditions, including regulatory approvals in several jurisdictions outside the United States. Both parties expect the transaction to close in the second half of calendar 2018.

06:50 EDT Volkswagen offers to buy back diesel cars amid German bans - The Volkswagen brand is starting a diesel campaign for its customers in Germany in April. The new Germany Guarantee gives the buyers of new and year-old vehicles with diesel engines purchased from a Volkswagen dealership additional security and will keep them on the road in the event of a driving ban. The Volkswagen Group's successful environmental incentive has already taken some 170,000 old diesel vehicles from the road since August 2017 and replaced them with efficient and clean current models. Approximately 120,000 of these customers have chosen a Volkswagen brand model. The Volkswagen brand continues its effort to rejuvenate the vehicle population by offering the diesel environmental incentive with the purchase of a new diesel vehicle beginning in April. Volkswagen's new Germany Guarantee is free of charge and will apply to the purchase of a new or a year-old car with a diesel engine from a Volkswagen dealership from 1 April throughout 2018. It is valid for three years from the date of purchase and offers customers who would be affected by possible driving restrictions at their home or working address the opportunity to exchange vehicles. The affected customer will receive an offer that the participating Volkswagen dealership will buy back the original model for the current value determined by the independent institution, Deutsche Automobil Treuhand, if the customer then buys from the same dealership a new or year-old vehicle which would not be affected by driving restrictions. The participating Volkswagen dealership will give the customer a model-dependent trade-in premium with a maximum value corresponding to the previous environmental incentive. The vehicle exchange will be dealt with the involved Volkswagen Partner and in addition via Volkswagen's digital ecosystem at volkswagen-we.de. The Volkswagen brand has already taken some 120,000 old diesel vehicles with Euro 1 through Euro 4 emissions standards from the road since August 2017 with its successful environmental incentive, thus making a substantial contribution to improving the air quality of German cities. Therefore, the measure will be continued as a diesel environmental incentive for new diesel vehicles until 30 June 2018. The previous model-dependent premiums will continue unchanged. Reference Link

06:36 EDT SAIC reports new bookings for Q4 approximately $0.6B - Net bookings for the quarter were approximately $0.6B, which reflects a book-to-bill ratio of approximately 0.5. Net bookings for the year were approximately $6.7B, which reflects a book-to-bill ratio of approximately 1.5. SAIC's estimated backlog of signed business orders at the end of fiscal 2018 was approximately $10.2B of which $2B was funded.

06:33 EDT SAIC CEO says 'very pleased' with Q4 revenue growth - "I am very pleased with SAIC's fourth quarter revenue growth and margin improvements in the last half of fiscal year 2018. SAIC's performance reflects the fundamental execution of our business strategy for sustained profitable growth," said SAIC CEO Tony Moraco. "Strategic investments in our markets and capabilities are driving growth as we remain focused on improving our profitability and effectively deploying capital to enhance shareholder value in fiscal year 2019."

06:30 EDT Tesla Model 3 named Popular Mechanics' Car of the Year - Popular Mechanics has named Tesla's Model 3 as its Car of the Year. Automotive editor Ezra Dyer said, "The demand makes sense. I try to reserve judgment on any car until I drive it, but the Model 3 sure looks good on paper. Tesla claims zero-to-60 times in the five-second range-unofficially, the first owners are getting into the fours... The autonomy is reliable and pleasantly novel, but I learn that it's more fun to do the driving myself, sandbagging in the middle lane and then mashing the throttle to revel in that gush of acceleration. With 271 horsepower, the Model 3 doesn't quite rearrange your internal organs like a Model S, but it's still ferocious... It's thrilling, but the Model 3 isn't perfect. I'd like a heads-up display, some way to put the speedometer in my line of sight. And there are some places where you can see the cost-cutting, like in the rear trunk, where there's no trim panel up top, just bare metal and cutouts for the speakers that would be there if you had ordered the premium sound system. But I think I could live with such compromises. In fact, I know I can, because when I get home, I do something that I've never done with any of the other thousands of cars I've tested: I put down a deposit." Reference Link

06:25 EDT Actor Will Ferrell quitting Facebook after Cambridge Analytica scandal - Actor and comedian Will Ferrell says he is deleting his Facebook account. In a post on the social network, Ferrell said: "I have always had an aversion to social media and have primarily used it as a tool to help support our work at Funny Or Die, some of my personal projects, as well as charity causes that I am passionate about. Facebook allowed me to promote and share the work of many dedicated and talented individuals who deserved recognition. I know I am not alone when I say that I was very disturbed to hear about Cambridge Analytica's misuse of millions of Facebook users' information in order to undermine our democracy and infringe on our citizens' privacy. I was further appalled to learn that Facebook's reaction to such a violation was to suspend the account of the Cambridge Analytica whistleblower. In this day and age, with misinformation running rampant, it's important that we protect the truth, as well as those who work to bring it to light. I can no longer, in good conscience, use the services of a company that allowed the spread of propaganda and directly aimed it at those most vulnerable. I love my fans and hope to further interact with them through my comedy via the mediums of film and television."

06:20 EDT CME Group to acquire NEX Group for GBP 10 per share

06:17 EDT Acxiom reports impact of Facebook Partner Categories discontinuation - Acxiom (ACXM)was informed by Facebook (BF) that Facebook Partner Categories will be discontinued over the next several months. Facebook Partner Categories provides audience targeting options by leveraging third-party data providers, including Acxiom's Audience Solutions division. Acxiom does not expect this change to impact its fiscal 2018 guidance. The company intends to provide FY19 guidance on its Q4 earnings call. Acxiom now expects total revenue and profitability to be negatively impacted by as much as $25M. However, the company continues to expect its LiveRamp segment to grow by at least 30% year-over-year.

06:12 EDT Himax to exercise options to fully acquire Emza Visual Sense - Himax Technologies announced that it has decided to exercise its options to fully acquire Emza Visual Sense. Terms of the investment were not disclosed. The transaction is expected to close by the end of the second quarter, 2018. Emza is an Israeli company dedicated to the development of extremely efficient visual sensors that include proprietary machine-vision algorithms and specific architectures that enable always-on visual sensing capabilities, achieving orders of magnitude improvement in power consumption, price and form factor. Aiming at the booming computer vision market, Himax made a strategic cash investment for 45.1% equity of Emza in April 2017, with one-year options to acquire the remaining 54.9% of Emza's equity and all outstanding stock options. The acquisition will allow Himax to fully leverage the synergy between the two companies into producing visual sensors that integrate camera, hardware and algorithms and operate at unprecedented power, cost and size. Emza will continue as it is after the acquisition, and will maintain Emza company brand as well as the WiseEye brand product lines.

06:09 EDT Sanofi: EMA to review sotagliflozin as potential treatment for type 1 diabetes - The European Medicines Agency has accepted for review Sanofi's (SNY) regulatory submission for sotagliflozin. If approved, the oral treatment would be used as an addition to insulin therapy to improve blood sugar control in adults with type 1 diabetes mellitus. Developed in partnership with Lexicon Pharmaceuticals (LXRX), sotagliflozin is an investigational dual inhibitor of SGLT-1 and SGLT-2, proteins that influence how the intestines and kidneys process blood sugar.

06:04 EDT U.S. Concrete acquires new Philadelphia concrete plant - U.S. Concrete announced that it has bolstered its presence in the Philadelphia metropolitan market with the acquisition of a new, state-of-the-art ready-mixed concrete plant located north of downtown Philadelphia. The company will integrate all of the acquired assets into its existing Philadelphia operation, Action Supply, U.S. Concrete, which first entered the Philadelphia market in October 2017 through its acquisition of Action Supply, now has three ready-mixed concrete plants in the city and over 30 trucks.