Stockwinners Market Radar for April 26, 2018 - Earnings, Upgrades downgrades, option trades, Best Stock Advisory Service

19:55 EDT Western Alliance names Barbara Kennedy as Chief HR Officer - Western Alliance Bancorporation announced Barbara J. Kennedy has joined the company as Executive Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer. In this role, Kennedy will oversee human resources, training, talent development and recruitment for Western Alliance, which has over 1,700 employees across the country. Kennedy brings extensive knowledge of national and multinational companies in the human resources arena. Prior to joining Western Alliance, Kennedy was Senior Vice President of Human Resources for San Diego-based Encore Capital Group.

19:19 EDT Southside Bancshares discontinues stock dividend - The Board decided to discontinue the stock dividend at this time. For over 20 years Southside has paid an annual stock dividend in addition to quarterly cash dividends, however, the increase in the number of shares outstanding combined with the appreciation in the stock price during that time has outpaced our ability to maintain sufficient retained earnings to pay the annual stock dividend.

19:03 EDT On The Fly: After Hours Movers - UP AFTER EARNINGS: Expedia (EXPE) up 11.7%... BJ's Restaurants (BJRI) up 8.8%... Amazon.com (AMZN) up 7.3%... SVB Financial (SIVB) up 6.9%... Chegg (CHGG) up 6.0%... Baidu (BIDU) up 6.0%... Intel (INTC) up 5.1%... Knowles Corp (KN) up 5.1%... Eastment Chemical (EMN) up 3.9%... Callaway Golf (ELY) up 3.9%... Microsoft (MSFT) up 2.8%... Boyd Gaming (BYD) up 2.8%... Nu Skin (NUS) up 2.4%... Mattel (MAT) up 1.5%. ALSO HIGHER: Sprint (S) up 7.8% after reports of impending T-Mobile final deal... Oasis Petroleum (OAS) up 4.1% after S&P400 inclusion. DOWN AFTER EARNINGS: Flex Ltd (FLEX) down 15.1%... LogMeIn (LOGM) down 8.9%... Cloud Peak (CLD) down 7.4%... U.S. Steel (X) down 7.2%... Amkor Technology (AMKR) down 5.5%... CubeSmart (CUBE) down 2.4%... Starbucks (SBUX) down 2.1%... Western Digital (WDC) down 0.5%. ALSO LOWER: Tandem Diabetes (TNDM) down 9.9% after filing mixed shelf.

18:58 EDT Southside Bancshares raises quarterly dividend 7.1% to 30c per share - The cash dividend is payable to common stock shareholders of record May 24, 2018. The cash dividend is scheduled for payment on June 7.

18:24 EDT Baidu up 6.4% to $254.00 after Q1 results beat estimates

18:13 EDT Starbucks not seeing SSS impact from Philadelphia arrests

18:07 EDT Foundation Medicine, Roche and DIAN Diagnostics collaborate on cancer care - Foundation Medicine (FMI), F. Hoffmann-La Roche (RHHBY) and DIAN Diagnostics Group announced a three-party collaboration to integrate Foundation Medicine's comprehensive genomic profiling assays into clinical patient care in mainland China. Under the collaboration: DIAN, a developer and supplier of Chinese medical diagnostic products and services, becomes the exclusive clinical sequencing partner in China for FoundationOne, FoundationACT and FoundationOne Heme, enabling the delivery of personalized cancer care for patients. Roche maintains commercial exclusivity for Foundation Medicine's molecular information products in China, and in cooperation with DIAN continues its current in-county activities to support the broad integration of CGP into clinical care. DIAN is one of the first commercial laboratories approved by the National Health Commission of China to receive a next generation sequencing pilot license for cancer diagnostics.

18:03 EDT Amazon.com says raising Prime membership fee because value has increased - Says since the last rate increase four years ago, the Prime membership has increased in value and thus the price should reflect that.

18:02 EDT U.S. Steel falls after Q1 results, peers slide in after-hours - Shares of U.S. Steel (X) are down 6.7% in after-hours trading after reporting Q1 results. Peers in the steel complex are also under pressure in after-hours trading, including names like AK Steel (AKS), Nucor (NUE), Steel Dynamics (STLD) and Cleveland-Cliffs (CLF).

17:59 EDT Microsoft CFO says FX to increase Q4 revenue growth by 3% - Sees Q4 Productivity and Business Processes revenue $9.55B-$9.75B. Office commercial growth rates to normalize. Dynamics should see another quarter of double-digit growth. Sees Q4 Intelligent Cloud revenue $8.95B-$9.15B. Sees Q4 More Personal Computing revenue $10.3B-$10.6B. Q4 Gaming to post higher revenue growth than in Q3.

17:53 EDT LogMeln tanks 8% after reporting Q1 EPS, guidance - Shares are currently down over 8% to $110 per share in after-hours trading.

17:50 EDT Microsoft CFO says FX positively impacted Q3 revenue by 1%

17:45 EDT Microsoft CEO says Q3 was one of the best quarters in gaming - Saw record user engagement in Q3.

17:44 EDT Microsoft CEO says seeing strong customer demand for Azure stack - Says reached human parity in speech recognition just last month. Will share more on AI and Azure at next month's developer conference.

17:40 EDT Amazon.com to raise annual price of U.S. Prime members to $119.00 from $99.00

17:39 EDT Microsoft says LinkedIn experiencing higher engagement - Says Azure revenue grew 65% this quarter. Comments from Q3 earnings call.

17:37 EDT Integrated Core Strategies reports 5.2% passive stake in Babcock & Wilcox

17:31 EDT Granite Construction awaded $27M highway project in Alaska - Granite has been awarded a $27M highway safety improvement project by the Alaska Department of Transportation & Public Facilities. The contract will be included in Granite's Q1 backlog. Construction is scheduled to begin in Spring 2018 and conclude in Fall 2019.

17:25 EDT New Concept Energy receives NYSE regulation letter - New Concept Energy announced that, on April 23, the company received notice from NYSE Regulation, indicating that the company is currently below compliance with the NYSE American Exchange's continued listing standards of reported stockholders' equity at December 31 and losses from continuing operations in three of its four most recent fiscal years ended December 31, as required by Section 1003 of the NYSE American Company guide. The Company has been afforded the opportunity to submit a Plan by May 23, advising of actions it has taken or will take to regain compliance with the continued listing standards by October 23, 2019. The Company's plan is to include specific milestones, quarterly financial projections and details related to any strategic initiatives it plans to complete. Once the plan is submitted, NYSE Regulation will review the plan and provide guidance to the Company of its acceptance or lack thereof. The Company is in the process of preparing the plan for timely submission by May 23 to become in full compliance with all continued listing standards of the NYSE American Exchange.

17:21 EDT Oasis Petroleum to replace Washington Prime in S&P 400 at open on 5/1

17:12 EDT Starbucks says opportunities for growth in China accelerating - Says accelerating comp growth globally a "top priority." Says opportunities for growth in China are accelerating. Says has nearly 15M active U.S. rewards members.

17:05 EDT Starbucks: May 29 store closures 'small piece' of culture change - Says temporarily store closure on May 29 a "small piece" of culture change in the wake of Philadelphia arrest incident. Saw comps accelerate in both the U.S. in China over the quarter. Says now operates over 28,000 stores in over 70 countries. Comments taken from Q2 earnings conference call.

17:03 EDT Delek Logistics boosts quarterly cash distribution to 75c - Delek Logistics Partners declared its quarterly cash distribution for the first quarter 2018 of 75c per limited partner unit, or $3.00 per limited partner unit on an annualized basis. This distribution represents a 3.4% increase from the distribution for the fourth quarter 2017 of 72.5c per limited partner unit, $2.90 per limited partner unit annualized, and a 8.7% increase over Delek Logistics' distribution for the first quarter 2017 of 69c per limited partner unit, $2.76 per limited partner unit annualized. The first quarter 2018 cash distribution is payable on May 15.

16:51 EDT Outfront Media awarded long-term contract by San Francisco BART - Outfront Media announced that the Board of Directors of the San Francisco Bay Area Rapid Transit District has awarded it the advertising franchise for BART's rapid transit system, subject to the execution of a definitive agreement, for a period of 10.75 years with two additional one-year options. This award compliments OUTFRONT Media's existing partnerships with other Bay Area transit agencies, presenting advertisers and municipalities with broad opportunities for real-time intelligent communications to customers. Working together with BART, we will deploy over 600 ON Smart Liveboard digital displays and four large format LED displays. San Francisco is the eighth largest U.S. DMA according to Nielsen Media Research, and BART's system totals more than 100 miles of track and 46 stations. The agreement encompasses BART's expansion, including 775 new train cars.

16:49 EDT Continental Resources announces firm transportation agreement with Enable Midstream - Continental Resources (CLR) announced the execution of a firm transportation agreement on Enable Midstream Partners' (ENBL) Project Wildcat. Project Wildcat will provide Continental Resources 400M cubic feet per day of additional takeaway capacity from its properties in the SCOOP and STACK plays in Oklahoma. Project Wildcat will provide Continental direct access to premium markets, including the expanding Dallas Fort Worth area where supplies of natural gas from the Barnett shale continue to decline. Project Wildcat commences service in June 2018 and is expected to be fully in service in July 2018.

16:47 EDT TimkenSteel sees FY18 CapEx $40M

16:46 EDT U.S. Steel down 6% after reporting Q1 results, FY18 EBITDA guidance

16:44 EDT Comfort Systems USA raises quarterly dividend to 8c from 7.5c per share - The dividend is payable on May 25, 2018 to stockholders of record at the close of business on May 14, 2018.

16:43 EDT Boeing delivers first 787 Dreamliner for Gulf Air - Boeing and Gulf Air celebrated the delivery of the first 787 Dreamliner for the national carrier of the Kingdom of Bahrain. The airplane also debuts the carrier's new livery. Gulf Air is set to take delivery of four more Dreamliners this year. The airline plans to introduce the 787 on its twice-daily service between Bahrain and London Heathrow before deploying the long-range efficient jet on other routes.

16:41 EDT Macerich announces Thomas O'Hern to succeed Arthur Coppola as CEO - Macerich announced that Thomas O'Hern will be appointed to the role of CEO of the company, effective as of January 1, 2019. O'Hern will succeed Arthur Coppola, who is retiring from his role as CEO effective as of December 31, 2018. O'Hern currently serves as the Company's Senior Executive Vice President, CFO and Treasurer and will continue to serve in that role until his appointment to the role of CEO. The Company also announced that Scott Kingsmore, Senior Vice President of Finance, will assume the role of Executive Vice President, CFO and Treasurer of the Company, effective as of January 1, 2019, to succeed O'Hern.

16:39 EDT Stryker down 2.5% after reporting Q1 results, giving Q2, FY18 guidance

16:36 EDT Covanta reaffirms FY18 adjusted EBITDA $425M-$455M - Reaffirms FY18 free cash flow $70M-$100M.

16:32 EDT Baidu CEO says 'We had a strong start in 2018' - "We had a strong start in 2018, with our core business exhibiting robust growth, and we continue to execute on our strategy to strengthen Baidu's mobile foundation and lead in AI. Through innovation, search plus feed is powering strong monetization, DuerOS is showing accelerated momentum with hardware partners and Apollo has a great potential to become a world-class technology platform," said Robin Li, Chairman and CEO of Baidu. "I would also like to congratulate iQIYI on a successful IPO and hope to incubate more businesses with large market opportunities and strong synergies with Baidu."

16:27 EDT Vermilion Energy raises 2018 CapEx view to $430M from $325M - Without inclusion of the Spartan assets, expects production to increase each quarter throughout 2018 and to achieve previous full year production guidance of 75K-77,K boe/d. Including production for the Spartan acquisition after closing, revised production guidance is 86K-90K boe/d.

16:24 EDT Microsoft down 2% to $92.36 after earnings report

16:21 EDT Federated Investors raises quarterly dividend 8% to 27c per share - The dividend is payable on May 15 to shareholders of record as of May 8.

16:20 EDT Expedia announces 15M share buyback program

16:17 EDT Seattle Genetics withdraws FY18 ADCETRIS sales guidance citing new approval - As a result of the recent approval of ADCETRIS in combination with chemotherapy in adult patients with previously untreated Stage III or IV classical Hodgkin lymphoma, the company's full year 2018 ADCETRIS sales guidance provided in February 2018 no longer reflects management's expectations and is being withdrawn. For the second quarter of 2018, Seattle Genetics expects sales of ADCETRIS will be in the range of $105M-$110M. As a result of expenses totaling approximately $50M in the first quarter of 2018 related to the acquisition of Cascadian and upfront technology in-licensing costs, as well as additional forecasted operating costs attributed to the tucatinib program, the company increased its expectations for 2018 operating expenses and other costs. R&D cost view increased to $530M-$580M from $460M-$500M and SG&A cost view raised to $220M-$240M from $200M-$220M.

16:15 EDT Comfort Systems USA CEO says optimistic about underlying trends - CEO Brian Lane said: "We remain optimistic about underlying trends, including for the remainder of this year, and we continue to be deeply grateful to our fantastic team members who are executing at a high level across the United States."

16:12 EDT Rogers Corporation backs FY18 CapEx view $50M-$60M

16:11 EDT Microsoft reports Q3 More Personal Computing revenue of $9.9B - Revenue in More Personal Computing was $9.9B and increased 13%, or 11% in constant currency. Windows OEM revenue increased 4%, driven by OEM Pro revenue growth of 11%. Windows commercial products and cloud services revenue increased 21%, or 17% in constant currency, driven by an increased volume of multi-year agreements and the mix of products that carry higher in-quarter revenue recognition. Gaming revenue increased 18%, or 16% in constant currency, driven by Xbox software and services revenue growth of 24%, or 21% in constant currency, mainly from third party title strength. Surface revenue increased 32%, or 27% in constant currency, against a prior year comparable impacted by product end-of-life-cycle dynamics.

16:10 EDT Boyd Gaming backs 2018 adjusted EBITDA view $600M-$620M

16:09 EDT Financial Institutions reports Q1 EPS 56c, consensus 57c - Net interest income was $29.6 million in the first quarter of 2018, $132 thousand lower than the fourth quarter of 2017 and $2.6 million higher than the first quarter of 2017.

16:09 EDT BJ's Restaurants reports Q1 comparable restaurant sales increase of 4.2%

16:08 EDT Starbucks reports Q2 CAP revenue up 54% - Reports Q2 EMEA revenue up 15%. Reports Q2 Americas revenue up 8%.

16:05 EDT Vertex initiates Phase 3 studies of VX-445, Tezacaftor, and Ivacaftor - Vertex Pharmaceuticals announced that it is initiating two Phase 3 studies of VX-445, tezacaftor and ivacaftor as an investigational triple combination regimen for people with cystic fibrosis. The first Phase 3 study will evaluate approximately 360 people with CF who have one copy of the F508del mutation and one minimal function mutation and is designed to support the submission of a New Drug Application in the U.S. using data from the study's 4-week primary efficacy endpoint together with safety data through 12 weeks of treatment. The second Phase 3 study will evaluate approximately 100 people with CF who have two copies of the F508del mutation, the most common genetic form of the disease, and is designed to support the submission of an application for approval in patients with two copies of the F508del mutation in the U.S. using data from the study's 4-week primary efficacy endpoint together with 24-week safety data generated from the Phase 3 study in patients with one F508del mutation and one minimal function mutation. The initiation of the study in people with two copies of the F508del mutation is supported by data announced today from a Phase 2 study that showed an incremental mean absolute improvement in percent predicted forced expiratory volume in one second of 11.0 percentage points from baseline through week four of treatment when VX-445 was added in people with CF who have two F508del mutations and were already receiving tezacaftor in combination with ivacaftor. In the Phase 2 study, the VX-445 triple combination regimen was generally well tolerated, and the majority of adverse events were mild to moderate in severity.

16:03 EDT Amazon.com jumps 6%, or $96.63, to $1,625.87 after Q1 results

15:39 EDT Columbus Capital repots 7.8% passive stake in Akoustis

15:16 EDT CRISPR technology to be featured on this week's 60 Minutes - In a preview for the April 29 edition of 60 Minutes, the show highlighted Bill Whitaker's upcoming report on CRISPR technology, which is described as "a new gene-editing tool that's revolutionizing biomedicine." Companies developing CRISPR-based therapies include Editas Medicine (EDIT), Intellia Therapeutics (NTLA) and Crispr Therapeutics (CRSP) Reference Link

14:17 EDT Omeros says FDA grants breakthrough therapy designation to OMS721 - Omeros Corporation announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has granted breakthrough therapy designation to OMS721 for the treatment of patients with high-risk hematopoietic stem cell transplant-associated thrombotic microangiopathy, specifically those patients who have persistent TMA despite modification of immunosuppressive therapy. This is the second breakthrough therapy drug designation for OMS721, which last year received the designation from FDA for the treatment of Immunoglobulin A nephropathy. OMS721 is Omeros' lead human monoclonal antibody targeting mannan-binding lectin-associated serine protease-2, the effector enzyme of the lectin pathway of the complement system.

14:07 EDT Rosetta Genomics announces shareholder approval of merger - In a regulatory filing, Rosetta Genomics disclosed that on April 26, at the company's Extraordinary General Meeting of Shareholders, shareholders of approved the merger of the company with a subsidiary of Genoptix. The completion of the merger will be on or about May 27, subject to satisfaction of customary closing conditions. Israeli law requires a period of 30 days after shareholder approval for a merger to be completed. At the closing, Rosetta will become a privately held company owned by Genoptix and its shares will cease to trade.

13:43 EDT WSFS Financial names Art Bacci chief wealth officer - Art Bacci will lead the wealth business as the new Chief Wealth Officer of WSFS Financial Corporation and its primary subsidiary, WSFS Bank. Bacci will also serve as an Executive Vice President and will join WSFS' executive leadership team. He succeeds Paul Geraghty who retired earlier this month after seven years with the company.

13:12 EDT La Quinta stockholders approve acquisition by Wyndham - At a special meeting, stockholders of La Quinta Holdings (LQ) approved the adoption of the Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of January 17, 2018, as it may be amended from time to time, by and among Wyndham Worldwide Corporation (WYN), WHG BB Sub, and La Quinta. Subject to the terms and conditions of the Merger Agreement, Merger Sub, a direct wholly-owned subsidiary of Wyndham, will be merged with and into La Quinta with La Quinta surviving the merger as a wholly-owned subsidiary of Wyndham. At the special meeting today, stockholders of La Quinta also approved amendments to La Quinta's amended and restated certificate of incorporation to effect a reverse stock split at a ratio of 1-for-2 and to change the par value of the La Quinta common stock in connection with the reverse stock split from 1c per share to 2c per share. The parties are actively working towards closing, and the transaction remains on track to close in the second quarter of 2018. In addition to La Quinta stockholder approval, the completion of the merger is subject to other customary closing conditions, including completion of the previously announced spin-off of CorePoint Lodging. Upon the closing of the merger, the company's stockholders will have the right to receive $8.40 in cash prior to giving effect to the reverse stock split, without interest, for each share of common stock of La Quinta that they own immediately prior to the effective time of the merger. The Merger Consideration is in addition to the shares of CorePoint Lodging that stockholders will receive in the spin-off of CorePoint Lodging.

12:59 EDT Southwest expects FY18 aircraft CapEx approx. $1.2B - Says remained focus on controlling costs. Says NTSB has suggested that fatigue fracture was the initial cause of the flight accident. Says in constant contact with all parties involved. Says accelerated inspections after accident. Says "going to do everything we can to ensure it doesn't happen again." Expects 2018 aircraft capex of approx. $1.2B and other capex in the $800M-$900M range. Says ended quarter with 717 aircaft. Says fleet deficit will recede in Q3. Says will end this year with 757 aircraft. Says already realizing "meaningful" benefits of tax reform.

12:50 EDT Southwest expects Q2 to be "bottom" in terms of y-o-y RASM trends - Says demand remains "strong" and outlook is "positive." Says Hawaii work remains on track. Says benefits from new reservation system will ramp up in Q2, with majority coming in 1H. Says balance sheet remains strong. Sees FY18 capital spending $2B-$2.1B. Says well-positioned to achieve 2018 goal to expand net margin. Says suboptimal flight schedule is expected to recede in Q3. Sees Q2 RASM down 1%-3%. Sees Q2 lost revenue of 1%-2% due to flight incident. Says suboptimal flight schedule will impact Q2. Says ongoing competitive environment in California will impact Q2. Says continuing to realize fuel efficiency benefits from fleet modernization.

12:28 EDT L3 names Melanie Heitkamp chief human resources officer - L3 Technologies (LLL) announced that Melanie Heitkamp has been appointed as Senior Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer, effective May 21. Heitkamp will report to Christopher E. Kubasik, Chief Executive Officer and President, and will be responsible for all aspects of L3's human resources organization, including its recruiting and retention strategy, organizational transformation initiatives, core processes, Diversity & Inclusion, and employee engagement efforts. She succeeds Kevin L. Weiss, who has announced his plans to retire after supporting a smooth transition. Prior to joining L3, she served as Senior Vice President of Human Resources - Defense & Intelligence Group at Leidos (LDOS).

12:20 EDT ConocoPhillips paid down $2.7B of balance sheet debt in Q1 - ConocoPhillips paid down $2.7B of balance sheet debt. Ended the quarter with $17B of debt and $5B of cash and cash equivalents. For the quarter, cash provided by operating activities was $2.4 B. Excluding a $0.1B change in working capital, ConocoPhillips generated $2.B in cash from operations, exceeding $1.5B in capital expenditures and investments, $0.5B of repurchased shares, and $0.3B of dividends. In addition, the company paid $2.9B to reduce debt and sold $1.6B of short-term investments. After the quarter ended, the company received the final installment of the Ecuador arbitration award, as well as its first discretionary distribution from APLNG.

12:02 EDT Boeing announces global distribution agreement for GE Aviation T700 engines - Boeing (BA), through its subsidiary Aviall, announced it signed a multi-year parts distribution agreement with GE Aviation (GE) to support the T700 engine. Under this agreement, Aviall will market and distribute components needed to support the maintenance, repair and overhaul of the GE T700 engine models that power civil and international military helicopters for customers in more than 30 countries. Aviall, a Boeing Company, will market and distribute parts to support the GE Aviation T700 engine which powers some of the world's most prolific rotorcraft.Aviall's worldwide distribution network will provide localized support for customers relying on the T700 engine for fleet readiness.

11:54 EDT Bayer in pact to sell further Crop Science businesses to BASF for up to EUR1.7B - In light of the proposed acquisition of Monsanto (MON), Bayer (BAYRY) announced that it has signed an agreement to sell further Crop Science businesses to BASF (BASFY) for up to 1.7 billion euros. The businesses to be sold generated total sales of 745 million euros in 2017. The businesses being divested include in particular the global vegetable seeds business, certain seed treatment products, the research platform for wheat hybrids and certain glyphosate-based herbicides in Europe that are predominantly used in industrial applications. In addition, three research projects in the field of total herbicides and Bayer's digital farming business will also be transferred. In return, Bayer will receive a back license for certain digital farming applications. The transaction includes the transfer of some 2,500 employees, around 150 of them in Germany. As part of the agreement, BASF has committed to maintain all permanent positions, under similar conditions, for at least three years after closing of the transaction. "With this move, we are implementing the corresponding undertakings made to the European Commission and other regulatory authorities to allow the successful closing of the Monsanto transaction," explained Werner Baumann, Chairman of the Board of Management of Bayer AG. "In BASF, we are pleased that, for these businesses too, we have found a strong buyer that will continue to serve the needs of growers and offer our employees long-term prospects." The transaction is subject to regulatory approval as well as the successful closing of Bayer's acquisition of Monsanto.

11:24 EDT Magal Security awarded $2.3M contract to protect correctional facilities - Magal Security Systems announced that it has been awarded a $2.3M contract for a perimeter and motion detection system. The system will be used to secure correctional facilities in North America and delivery is targeted to be completed in 2018.

11:14 EDT NuStar Energy boosts FY18 adjusted EBITDA view by $20M to $620M-$670M - Continues to see FY18 CapEx $360M-$390M. Says in the process of responding to SEC comments on Form S-4. Says "extremely bullish" on Permian Basin. Raises FY18 adjusted EBITDA view by $20M to $620M-$670M vs. previous guidance of $600M-$650M. Comments taken from the Q1 earnings conference call.

11:07 EDT New York Times appoints Roland Caputo as CFO - The New York Times Company announced that Roland Caputo has been named CFO. His appointment is effective on Monday, April 30, 2018, and he will report to the company's CEO Mark Thompson. Caputo, a 32-year veteran of the company, has been EVP of The Times's Print Products and Services Group since March 2013. In addition, he has been the company's interim CFO since March 1 of this year.

11:02 EDT Keysight collaborates with Qualcomm on 2Gbps download speeds - Keysight Technologies (KEYS) announced that working with Qualcomm Technologies Inc., a subsidiary of Qualcomm Incorporated (QCOM), has achieved 2 Gbps LTE download data speeds using Keysight's 5G Protocol R&D Toolset and Qualcomm Technologies' mobile test device, powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon X24 LTE modem.

10:43 EDT Snap confirms launch of new faster, 'more comfortable' Spectacles - Snap announced earlier the launch of a new version of its hands-free camera, Spectacles. Snap stated in its post regarding the product launch: "Spectacles are now more comfortable to wear with a smaller profile, and they're water resistant - so you can bring them to the beach, or your next pool party! Tap the button to record video with new and improved audio, and now, you can press and hold to take a photo! Snaps you capture will transfer to Snapchat up to four times faster, and always in HD." Reference Link

10:27 EDT Johnson & Johnson raises dividend to 90c from 84c per share - Johnson & Johnson announced that its board of directors has declared a 7.1% increase in the quarterly dividend rate, from 84c per share to 90c per share. The next quarterly dividend is payable on June 12 to shareholders of record as of the close of business on May 29. The ex-dividend date is May 25.

10:25 EDT Qualcomm CEO says environment needs to improve to get NXP deal done - Qualcomm CEO Steven Mollenkopf is speaking on CNBC.

10:14 EDT Magellan Midstream increases distribution to 93.75c from 92c per share - The board of directors of Magellan Midstream Partners has increased the partnership's quarterly cash distribution to 93.75c per unit for the period Jan. 1 through March 31, 2018. The first-quarter 2018 distribution is 7% higher than the first-quarter 2017 distribution of 87.25c per unit and represents a 2% increase over the fourth-quarter 2017 distribution of 92c. The new distribution will be paid May 15 to unitholders of record at the close of business on May 8.

10:06 EDT GM sees 'much more opportunity' with Amazon, others

09:52 EDT Altria Group CEO says IQOS roll out plan ready after FDA approval - Altria Group CEO Marty Marty Barrington said the company will announce the IQOS location following FDA approval. Comments provided during Q1 earnings conference call.

09:46 EDT GM sees stronger earnings in Q2, Q3; sees Q4 weaker on relative basis

09:42 EDT Spirit Airlines sees Q2 TRASM down 6.5%-7.5% year-over-year - Sees Q2 capacity up 29% year-over-year. Estimates FY18 capacity up 22.5% year-over-year. The company sees Q2 CASM ex-fuel down 7.5%-8.5%. Sees FY18 CASM ex-fuel down 3%-4% year-over-year. Comments taken from Q1 earnings conference call.

09:38 EDT Prescience Point argues Kellogg shares could fall by 35% - Prescience Point Capital Management, a private investment manager, published a negative report explaining its short position on Kellogg Company.After an in-depth investigation into Kellogg's business, which included forensic analysis of the company's financial statements and interviews with former employees, industry experts, and Kellogg management, Prescience Point believes that Kellogg's shares could fall by 35% from current levels. Kellogg's management misjudged the structural decline in demand for sugary snacks and breakfast cereal as cyclical, and turned to aggressive accounting and massive cost cuts - short-sighted actions likely to result in enormous problems for the future. Such actions are only temporary stopgaps, as the company faces headwinds in 2018 and beyond. Prescience Point believes Kellogg will be forced to cut its dividend this year or risk being downgraded by the major credit ratings agencies. "Unfortunately for the company, its employees and shareholders, Kellogg's prior management cut costs and used aggressive accounting instead of innovating to combat the shift in consumer preferences for cereal and snacks," said Eiad Asbahi, Founder and Portfolio Manager of Prescience Point. "We think Kellogg's current management team faces a financial reckoning before they can begin to turn the company around."

09:29 EDT UPS says relationship with Amazon.com 'mutually beneficial' - Says company's network is scalable, difficult to match. Says currently has five 747-8 aircraft in fleet.

09:21 EDT USG sends letter to stockholders in response to Knauf - USG Corporation filed an investor presentation with the SEC in connection with Gebr. Knauf KG's "vote no" campaign, and issued a letter to stockholders urging them to send a strong message to Knauf that they support USG's board by voting the White proxy card for the election of USG's independent directors ahead of the company's upcoming annual meeting. The letter reads: "Knauf, which is one of your fellow stockholders and is also a competitor to USG, has launched a campaign to encourage you to vote against USG's Board nominees. Knauf is doing this in support of its $42 per share proposal to acquire USG, which the Board believes significantly undervalues YOUR company. Knauf has a vested interest in acquiring your company at the lowest possible price and, instead of making a proposal that fairly values USG, it is trying to get you to pressure the USG Board into accepting its opportunistic proposal. Your Board is committed to acting in your best interests. As we have said repeatedly, we are fully open to considering any opportunity to maximize stockholder value, including a sale of the Company. If Knauf, or any other bidder, makes a proposal that reflects USG's intrinsic value, we are prepared to enter into an appropriate confidentiality agreement and engage in more detailed conversations. Unfortunately, despite repeated interactions and continued engagement with USG and our advisors, Knauf has refused to submit such a proposal. Instead, they are pursuing their "vote no" campaign in an attempt to undermine YOUR Board's ability to negotiate to maximize value for ALL stockholders. We urge stockholders to support the Board's ability to maximize value by voting for our nominees..."

09:17 EDT Upland Software partners with Thavron Solutions for IT management - Upland Software announced a new alliance with Thavron Solutions, a business service consulting and technology solutions company. Together, Upland's ComSci solution, an integrated cloud-based IT financial management and technology business management solution, and Thavron's advisory and implementation expertise, aim to help organizations obtain greater financial transparency and management of IT and shared business services.

09:16 EDT AbbVie says 'highly confident' about pipeline

09:16 EDT ePlus ePlus announces 500,000 share stock repurchase program - ePlus announced that its board of directors has authorized the company to repurchase up to 500,000 shares of ePlus' outstanding common stock over a 12-month period commencing May 28, 2018. The company's former repurchase plan will expire on August 18, 2018. ePlus had approximately 13.76 million shares of common stock outstanding as of March 31, 2018.

09:11 EDT Booz Allen is added to $998M contract award from the AFMC - The 96 Test Wing verifies the performance of air-delivered weapons, navigation and guidance, command and control and Air Force Special Operations Command systems before deploying them on the front lines. To help the military keep pace with the ever-evolving threat landscape, the Air Force Materiel Command, or AFMC has awarded Booz Allen Hamilton a spot on a $998M indefinite delivery/indefinite quantity, or IDIQ multiple-award contract to provide technical engineering support to the Test & Evaluation Technologies for Ranges, Armaments & Spectrum, or TETRAS, effort.

09:09 EDT AbbVie says to 'invest heavily' in new product launches over next 18 months

09:05 EDT General Motors reports Q1 global deliveries of 2.1M units - Reports Q1 2018 global deliveries of 2.1 million units, up 0.1 million Y-O-Y, driven by increased volume in GMNA and GMI. Q1 2018 global market share in participating markets decreased by 20 bps Y-O-Y, driven by decreased share in GMI ex. China, primarily in Korea. Q1 2018 market share was flat for both GMNA and China. As anticipated, Q1 2018 adjusted automotive free cash flow of $(3.5) billion, down $2.8 billion Y-O-Y, primarily due to lower earnings, unfavorable managed working capital and increased capital expenditures to support the upcoming launch of our all-new full-size pickup trucks and GEM programs. GM said it took the first step in the restructuring of its Korean operations with the decision to cease production at and close the Gunsan Korea plant by the end of May 2018. In Q1, GM recorded a $0.9 billion pre-tax special item related to this restructuring. GM continues to focus on strengthening its core business by making tough decisions to drive improved performance and financial results. GM said it has " worked with the union, Korean Government and Korean Development Bank to establish a viable long-term business enabled by shared sacrifice from all stakeholders.GM Korea expects to realize $400-$500 million in annual cost reductions through plant closure, labor and other efficiencies. KDB has agreed to provide $750 million of funding for future investment." Efficiencies and strong new product programs allow for an appropriate rate of return on the business. "These programs remain consistent with our overall enterprise capital spending expectations."

09:02 EDT Envision, Mednax sink after Chanos says shares may be worth nothing - Shares of Envision Healthcare (EVHC) and Mednax (MD) are sinking after Kynikos Associates founder Jim Chanos announced on CNBC that he's short both names. Chanos initiated his short position in Envision during the middle of 2017 and his Mednax short earlier this year. Both stocks may be "worth nothing," Chanos said during a two hour appearance on CNBC. He believes the companies, which are both exploring potential sales, are "accounting games." Envision in premarket trading is down 4% to $36.50 while Mednax is down 8% to $48.55. The famed short seller also disclosed for the first time that his fund has short positions in Restaurant Brands (QSR) and Dunkin' Brands (DNKN). Chanos added that he closed his short position in Alibaba (BABA) and has no positions in Chipotle Mexican Grill (CMG) and Starbucks (SBUX).

09:01 EDT American Airlines: Fuel prices have risen 'very quickly,' 'takes time to adapt' - CEO Doug Parker says views this as "near-term problem."

09:01 EDT On The Fly: Pre-market Movers - UP AFTER EARNINGS: Facebook (FB), up 7.7%. Chipotle (CMG), up 14%... O'Reilly Automotive (ORLY), up 12%... Domino's Pizza (DPZ), up 6%... Alexion Pharmaceuticals (ALXN), up 8%... AMD (AMD), up 11%... PayPal (PYPL), up 4.5%. ALSO HIGHER: Comstock Resources (CRK), up 51% after reporting the company is in negotiation with the owner of the Dallas Cowboys, Jerry Jones, to make a substantial investment in the company... Mattersight (MATR), up 23% after announcing that it has entered into an agreement to be acquired by an affiliate of NICE Ltd. (NICE) for $2.70 per common share in cash. DOWN AFTER EARNINGS: AT&T (T), down 4.5%... Southwest Airlines (LUV), down 4.5%... MGM Resorts (MGM), down 7.7%... eBay (EBAY), down 5%. ALSO LOWER: Dunkin Brands (DNKN), down 1.7% after reporting earnings and being named as a short by Kynikos Associates CEO Jim Chanos... Envision Healthcare (EVHC), down 4% and Mednax (MD), down 8% after Chanos announced short positions in those two stocks.

08:56 EDT American Airlines sees 'strong' demand for product domestically, internationally

08:52 EDT American Airlines says has deferred delivery of 3 A321neos to 2023 from 2021

08:49 EDT UPS says expects to take more pricing actions on difficult items

08:47 EDT Deluxe announces CEO succession plan - Deluxe Corporation announced that Lee Schram will retire as CEO of the company. Schram has agreed to serve in his current role during the succession process and will be available to assist in a smooth transition. A CEO succession committee of the Board has been formed to lead the succession process, which will consider both internal and external candidates, with the assistance of a leading executive search firm.

08:46 EDT Pareteum awarded 3-year $2.5M contract - Pareteum announced that it has signed a 3-year contract to provide its Global Cloud Services Platform and Connectivity for roaming, airtime, voice, SMS, and data to an emerging North American Mobile Virtual Network Operator servicing retail consumers, along with underserviced subsidized subscribers throughout North America. This new agreement enables the MVNO to offer more affordable mobile and broadband services, addressing their mission aimed at overcoming digital divides and opening doors for economic development and associated opportunities.

08:45 EDT MGM Resorts says Q2 outlook for domestic resorts moderated by canceled fight - MGM CEO Jim Murren said: "For the remainder of the year, we expect continued disruption at Monte Carlo and additional time to recover at Mandalay Bay. Additionally in the second quarter, the cancellation of a major prize fight in May moderates our expectations, particularly at our luxury properties. That said, we expect our Las Vegas Strip net revenues to be up slightly and our Las Vegas Strip REVPAR to increase 1 to 3 percent. We also expect similar Las Vegas Strip Adjusted Property EBITDA margin compression in the second quarter as experienced in the first quarter. Looking out into the second half of the year, citywide convention attendance is expected to be up, with the third quarter facing a difficult comparison year over year, offset by growth in the fourth quarter. This may impact Las Vegas room rates due to the mix shift. We continue to expect our Las Vegas Strip net revenues to grow slightly and our Las Vegas Strip REVPAR to be up 1 to 3 percent for the year."

08:44 EDT Aqua Metals, Johnson Controls extend timelines on strategic licensing agreement - Aqua Metals (AQMS) has reached an agreement with Johnson Controls (JCI) to extend the timelines of their Equipment Supply Agreement by one year. On February 7, 2017, Aqua Metals entered into an Equipment Supply Agreement with a wholly-owned, indirect subsidiary of Johnson Controls International, or Johnson Controls, pursuant to which Aqua Metals agreed to collaborate on the development of a program for the installation of new greenfield builds, as well as conversion of existing Johnson Controls'-and certain strategic partners of Johnson Controls existing lead smelters-to a lead recycling process utilizing the Company's proprietary and patented AquaRefining technology and equipment, know-how and services. According to the terms of the agreement, both Parties agreed to use their good faith and commercial best-efforts to conclude their discussion and negotiation of the Development Program no later than April 30, 2018, and to enter into, no later than June 30, 2018, the Development Program. At this time, both Johnson Controls and Aqua Metals have agreed to extend this period of discussion and negotiation by one year for each deadline respectively. Effective immediately, the date to conclude negotiation and discussion on the Development Program will now be no later than April 30, 2019 and the date to enter into the Development Program no later than June 30, 2019.

08:44 EDT DAVIDsTEA addresses announcement from RDI - The board of DAVIDsTEA provided the following statement addressing the most recent public announcement by Rainy Day Investments, or RDI, a holder of 46% of the outstanding shares of DAVIDsTEA, and Herschel Segal, RDI's president and a former member of the Board of Directors of the company: "DAVIDsTEA's board and management are focused on the company's future and are committed to creating value for all the company's shareholders. Mr. Segal co-founded the company and has been on the board since our initial public offering until he resigned on March 5, 2018. Mr. Segal's assertion that his proposed control of the board would bring a new, objective vision for the company is disingenuous. The operational and financial challenges Mr. Segal highlights in his recent press release all occurred under his watch. By proposing a dissident slate of seven director nominees to replace the entire board, Mr. Segal is now proposing to effectively control the board without having paid a premium to other shareholders. The DAVIDsTEA Board is open to continued discussions with all shareholders. In particular, it is the Board's hope that discussions with Mr. Segal can continue in a constructive and professional manner, avoiding the unnecessary distraction and cost of a public proxy contest. On March 28, three significant DAVIDsTEA shareholders, Porchlight Equity Management, LLC, TDM Asset Management PTY LTD., and Edgepoint Wealth Management, Inc., sent a letter to the DAVIDsTEA board expressing their concern over RDI's proposed slate of director nominees and other recent RDI announcements. The DAVIDsTEA Board will continue to consider the interests of all the company's shareholders as it evaluates its options in advance of the company's annual meeting in mid-June. The company will provide more information in a management information circular and shareholders are not required to take any action at this time."

08:41 EDT UPS sees global GDP growth at 3.5%

08:41 EDT UPS says moving into new phase of company transformation - Comments from Q1 earnings conference call.

08:38 EDT Western Union expands digital service to Panama, Jamaica - The Western Union Company extended its global digital footprint to Latin America and the Caribbean, activating the Western Union mobile app in Panama and Westernunion.com/jm in Jamaica, enabling customers to send money to more than 200 countries and territories, 24/7.

08:36 EDT PURE Bioscience responds to foodborne illness outbreak tied to romaine lettuce - PURE Bioscience responded to the current widespread foodborne illness outbreak associated with romaine lettuce. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have recommended consumers avoid all forms of romaine lettuce due to growing numbers of consumers being infected with E. coli after consuming romaine lettuce from the Yuma, Arizona region. With its FDA approved, SDC-based PURE Control antimicrobial, PURE offers produce processors a solution that can significantly mitigate the risk of foodborne illnesses resulting from consumption of their products. Over 3+ years of extensive SDC testing has shown consistent and materially significant reductions in the pathogens most frequently associated with foodborne illness outbreaks traced to processed produce. Additionally, there are no negative organoleptic impacts resulting from the application of PURE Control during produce processing. A breakthrough technology, SDC is a highly effective, non-toxic food safety solution, which is safe for both people and the environment. The use of PURE Control by produce processors is just beginning to roll out.

08:36 EDT Time Warner CEO says looking forward to resolution of legal challenge to merger - Time Warner (TWX) Chairman and CEO Jeff Bewkes said: "We look forward to the resolution of the legal challenge to our pending merger with AT&T and remain excited about the benefits of the merger, such as the potential to further strengthen our businesses by accelerating our innovation and increasing our ability to connect more directly with consumers."

08:35 EDT ePlus announces 500 share stock repurchase program - ePlus announced that its board of directors has authorized the company to repurchase up to 500,000 shares of ePlus' outstanding common stock over a 12-month period commencing May 28, 2018. The company's former repurchase plan will expire on August 18, 2018. ePlus had approximately 13.76 million shares of common stock outstanding as of March 31, 2018.

08:34 EDT Moleculin Biotech to present new data for immuno-stimulating drug - Moleculin Biotech announced that Dr. Waldemar Priebe, chair of the company's Scientific Advisory Board, has been selected to present findings on Moleculin's STAT3 inhibitor and immuno-stimulating agent, WP1066, at the Global Academic Programs 2018 in Stockholm, Sweden in May of this year. The Global Academic Programs 2018 is being hosted in Stockholm, Sweden from May 15 to 17, 2018. The annual GAP Conference provides a forum for faculty from MD Anderson and its Sister Institutions to develop collaborations and exchange research results and ideas. Sessions are formed around topics of interest to the members of the Sister Institution Network. "We are eager to share our important findings with regard to WP1066 and its effects on pancreatic cancer that include the ability to suppress activation of STAT3 in vitro and in vivo and simultaneously producing strong anticancer effects in this most deadly type of cancer," Priebe said. "In addition to pancreatic cancer, WP1066 appears to produce significant anticancer effects in animal models of other difficult to treat tumors, including brain cancers like glioblastoma. Moleculin has already announced an approved IND for brain tumors. We hope our continuation of the in vivo evaluation of WP1066 in different tumor models will provide a strong basis for the initiation of additional clinical trials in the future."

08:33 EDT CityCenter to sell Mandarin Oriental Las Vegas for about $214M in cash - CityCenter Holdings, a venture between MGM Resorts International and Infinity World Development Corp, tannounced that it has recently entered into a definitive agreement to sell the Mandarin Oriental Las Vegas and adjacent retail parcels for approximately $214M in cash, subject to satisfactory completion of due diligence and customary closing conditions. The transaction is expected to close in the summer of 2018. The Hotel is located at the entryway of CityCenter and in the heart of the Las Vegas Strip featuring 392 guestrooms, including 57 suites, 12,000 square feet of meeting space, five food and beverage outlets, and a two-level 27,000 square-foot spa. The Hotel is LEED Gold certified from the U.S. Green Building Council.

08:32 EDT Stantec initiates strategic review for MWH Constructors - Stantec has initiated a strategic review for MWH Constructors, Stantec Treatment and Slayden, collectively Constructors. Stantec acquired Constructors through its acquisition of MWH Global, completed in May 2016. As part of this review, Stantec will evaluate a range of strategic options to optimize the value of Constructors. Constructors provides construction and construction management services on mainly water-related projects for key long-term clients. Constructors predominantly operates in the U.S. and the U.K. Constructors generated over $1B in gross revenue in 2017 and has approximately 1,900 professionals in North America and the United Kingdom.

08:30 EDT Comstock Resources to receive investment from Jerry Jones - Comstock Resources is in negotiation with Dallas businessman and owner of the Dallas Cowboys Football Club, Jerry Jones, to make a substantial investment in the company. Under a letter of intent entered into by the company and Arkoma, owned by Jerry Jones and his family, Comstock will acquire interests in certain oil and gas properties located in North Dakota in exchange for common stock in the company. Comstock is acquiring the properties for $620M. There is no debt associated with the properties. Arkoma will receive approximately 88.6 million newly issued shares of Comstock common stock based on an agreed upon share price of $7.00 per share. Upon completion of the transaction, Arkoma will own approximately 84% of the company's pro forma outstanding shares. The acquisition is subject to the parties entering into a definitive purchase agreement, which will be subject to a number of closing conditions, including the approval of the issuance of the common stock by the company's stockholders. The company expects to enter into a purchase agreement within the next several weeks and will seek stockholder approval for the transaction as soon as practicable thereafter. The effective date of the acquisition of the properties will be April 1. The North Dakota properties are currently producing 10,500 barrels of oil per day and 20 MMcf of natural gas per day and have proved reserves as estimated by Comstock's independent reserve engineers of 22.5 million barrels of oil and 48.5 billion cubic feet of natural gas. The properties are expected to generate approximately $200M of operating cash flow in 2018.

08:26 EDT Chanos says Envision, Mednax not close to economically profitable - Kynikos Associates founder Jim Chanos is speaking on CNBC.

08:25 EDT Chanos says shorted Envision middle of 2017, Mednax this year - Kynikos Associates founder Jim Chanos is speaking on CNBC.

08:24 EDT Chanos says Envision, Mednax may be 'worth nothing' - Kynikos Associates founder Jim Chanos is speaking on CNBC.

08:23 EDT Chanos says Envision, Mednax are 'accounting games' - Kynikos Associates founder Jim Chanos is speaking on CNBC.

08:21 EDT Alkermes completes patient enrollment in ALKS 3831 study for schizophrenia - Alkermes completed patient enrollment in ENLIGHTEN-2, the second of two key phase 3 studies in the ENLIGHTEN clinical development program for ALKS 3831, an investigational, novel, once-daily, oral atypical antipsychotic drug candidate for the treatment of schizophrenia. The phase 3 study will evaluate the weight gain profile of ALKS 3831 compared to olanzapine, an established atypical antipsychotic agent with proven efficacy but also metabolic liabilities, in patients with stable schizophrenia over a six-month treatment period. Topline results are expected in Q4. Clinical data from ENLIGHTEN-2, if successful, and positive data from the previously reported ENLIGHTEN-1 study will form the basis of a New Drug Application planned to submit to the FDA for ALKS 3831 for the treatment of schizophrenia.

08:19 EDT Snap introduces new spectacles called Snappables - Snap today introduced Snappables, which it calls "new Lenses for playing augmented reality games with your friends." The company said, "You can control Snappables using touch, motion, and even facial expressions. Snappables live right where Lenses do. Just choose one and get your game face on! Then, invite your friends to play along too. Some Snappables let you challenge friends to beat your high score, while others can invite them to multiplayer games! Fight aliens, start a rock band, play basketball, and more - together with your friends, no matter where you are. New Snappables will be released every week!" The cost, according to reports, will be $150. Reference Link

08:18 EDT Chanos announces short positions in Envision Healthcare, Mednax - Kynikos Associates founder Jim Chanos is speaking on CNBC.

08:17 EDT Bright Scholar authorizes $100M share repurchase program - Bright Scholar has approved a share repurchase program to repurchase up to $100M worth of its outstanding American depositary shares representing its Class A ordinary shares within the next twelve months, subject to market conditions. As of February 28, the company had cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash of RMB1, 906.8M.

08:15 EDT Krystal Biotech announces FDA clearance of IND on KB103 - Krystal Biotech announces the clearance of an Investigational New Drug application by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for lead product candidate KB103. KB103 is the first-ever topical herpes simplex virus based gene therapy engineered to deliver a human collagen protein to patients suffering from dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa. DEB is a chronic, progressive and incredibly painful skin disease caused by mutations in the gene coding for type VII collagen, or COL7. As a result of mutated COL7, DEB patients' skin is incredibly fragile, resulting in blistering or skin loss at the slightest friction. There are currently no approved treatments for DEB. The planned Phase 1/2 clinical study of KB103 is a single site study at Stanford University expected to start in May 2018. Initial data from the study are expected to be released by the end of 2018

08:14 EDT Alexion says Phase 3 ALXN1210 study shows patients can be switched from Solirs - Alexion Pharmaceuticals in its earnings release announced "positive" topline results of a Phase 3 study of ALXN1210, the company's investigational long-acting C5 complement inhibitor, which show that patients with paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria "can be effectively and safely switched from treatment with Soliris every two weeks to treatment with ALXN1210 every eight weeks." The study demonstrated non-inferiority of ALXN1210 to Soliris in patients with PNH who had been stable on Soliris based on the primary endpoint of change in lactate dehydrogenase levels, a direct marker of complement-mediated hemolysis in PNH, the company said. It adds that the study also demonstrated non-inferiority on all four key secondary endpoints: the proportion of patients with breakthrough hemolysis, the change from baseline in quality of life as assessed via the Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy-Fatigue Scale, the proportion of patients avoiding transfusion, and the proportion of patients with stabilized hemoglobin levels. In addition, numeric results for all five endpoints favored ALXN1210. Notably, no patients treated with ALXN1210 experienced breakthrough hemolysis compared to five patients treated with Soliris, Alexion said. It noted that ALXN1210 was generally well tolerated with a safety profile that is consistent with that seen for Soliris. "Once again ALXN1210 met the high bar set by Soliris in a second, large Phase 3 study. Importantly, we now have robust data that patients with PNH can effectively and safely transition from Soliris to ALXN1210," said John Orloff, M.D., Executive Vice President and Head of Research & Development at Alexion. "We are very pleased that the totality of the Phase 3 PNH data in more than 440 patients, which included patients who had never received a complement inhibitor and patients who were stable on Soliris and switched to ALXN1210, shows numeric results favoring ALXN1210 across all primary and key secondary endpoints, including breakthrough hemolysis. We believe that the differentiated profile of ALXN1210 could be a meaningful improvement for patients and clinicians and look forward to moving rapidly to global regulatory filings in the U.S. and EU in mid-2018, followed by Japan later in the year."

08:14 EDT PepsiCo CEO: NAB 'very linked' to snacks business, 'very important'

08:12 EDT iPass granted U.S. patent covering means for tracking position of devices - iPass has been granted United States Patent no. 9,955,304, issued on April 24th, covering a means for tracking the position of devices that are intermittently operable. In short, this invention specifies the processes and methods by which a centralized, cloud-based server collects and processes data from an iPass SmartConnect-enabled device in order to establish the exact geographic position of the device at a precise time. Since this invention specifies a method by which a moving, Wi-Fi-enabled device can be tracked, we expect several important use cases for this technology, particularly in global logistics applications in which an unmanned and unintelligent device will "call home," reporting its precise location at a specific time. This capability has broad implications for the Internet of Things, as many businesses will save money and increase revenue by cost-effectively monitoring the movement of their assets, across town or across the globe. The application for United States patent no. 9,955,304, "apparatus and method for tracking the position of an intermittently operable Wi-Fi tag," was applied for on October 24, 2016.

08:09 EDT CDTi, University of Houston consortium partner for Department of Energy grant - CDTi Advanced Materials announced it is partnering with a consortium led by University of Houston on a Department of Energy grant. CDTi's Spinel technology will be a key element in developing a new class of high performance catalysts with low levels of precious metals for natural gas engine emissions control. The $2M grant, of which $800,000 is due to CDTi, is payable over a three-year period beginning in 2Q18.

08:08 EDT CB&I awarded $35M contract by leading Canadian infrastructure company - CB&I announced it has been awarded a contract valued at nearly $35M by a leading Canadian infrastructure company for the engineering, procurement, fabrication and construction of three liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) spheres.

08:07 EDT Live Ventures provides update on ApplianceSmart acquisition - Live Ventures provides investors with an update on its acquisition of ApplianceSmart. As previously announced, on December 30, 2017, the company acquired the retailer of major household appliances for $6.5 million. Live Ventures paid approximately $2.5 million of the purchase price in cash. The remaining approximately $4.0 million was paid by a promissory note bearing interest at five percent per annum and maturing on April 1, 2021. The acquisition is expected to bring Live Ventures' total annualized revenues to in excess of $200 million. "ApplianceSmart easily fits into our portfolio as a company with a proven track record of sales, with the added bonus of providing consumers with environmentally friendly appliances at an affordable cost. Further, we believe that synergies exist between ApplianceSmart and current subsidiary, Vintage Stock," said Jon Isaac, Live Ventures' president and CEO. "We look forward to combining the company's successes with those of our current portfolio companies, and providing our shareholders with additional value." ApplianceSmart is a 17-store chain specializing in sales and service of new and out-of-the-box appliances with annualized revenues of approximately $65 million. The retailer maintains stores in Minnesota, Ohio, Texas and Georgia.

08:06 EDT Rexahn ro present clinical data on RX-5902, RX-3117 at ASCO - Rexahn Pharmaceuticals will present two posters with clinical data on RX-5902 and RX-3117 at the upcoming 2018 American Society of Clinical Oncology, or ASCO, Annual Meeting to be held June 1-5 in Chicago.

08:04 EDT Boeing awarded $427M The Defense Logistics Agency contract - The Defense Logistics Agency has awarded Boeing a five-year $427M sole-source contract to provide and manage consumable material for F/A-18 depot maintenance with the option for five additional years. This is an extension of the DLA/Boeing Captains of Industry program and the program's first depot contract supporting the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps, bringing the value of the program to $3.2B. Boeing will provide consumable materials used for structural repair and modification of legacy F/A-18 Hornets at five U.S. Navy and U.S. Marine Corps depots and the Boeing Cecil Field Site in Jacksonville, Florida. Boeing field service representatives will be co-located at these sites to provide technical support and expertise.

08:03 EDT PepsiCo CEO: NAB unit has had 'subpar' performance over last three quarters - PepsiCo Chairman and CEO Indra Nooyi said on the company's Q1 earnings conference call that most businesses performed well in the quarter, with the exception of the North American beverage division, which "continues to work through some challenges." Nooyi noted that recent losses in cola market share in NA have led to "subpar" top and bottom line performance in NAB over the past three quarters. She said will substantially support Pepsi campaign in 2018. PepsiCo CFO Hugh Johnston said he expects NAB performance to improve for the remainder of the year.

07:57 EDT Materion confirms outlook for 2018

07:53 EDT AbbVie reports Q1 global HCV net revenues $919M

07:52 EDT AbbVie reports Q1 Global HUMIRA sales of $4.709B up 14.4% on reported basis - Up 10.7% on an operational basis.

07:49 EDT AbbVie intends to commence self-tender offer for up to $7.5B of common stock

07:47 EDT Total expects to surpass 2018 production growth target of 6% - The cost reduction program is ongoing with an objective of more than $4B in 2018. The Group's organic breakeven point continues to decrease, with a target of 25 $/b this year. An investment level of $15B-$17B organic and acquisitions net of asset sales is confirmed for 2018. The dividend will be increased by 10% over the next three years to reach EUR2.72 per share in 2020.

07:45 EDT Flexion presents updated results from Zilretta clinical trial - Flexion Therapeutics announced updated interim findings from its ongoing Phase 3b, open-label study to evaluate the overall safety and general tolerability of repeat administration of ZILRETTA in patients with osteoarthritis, or OA, of the knee. The data will be presented during a poster session on Friday, April 27 at the Osteoarthritis Research Society International, or OARSI, 2018 World Congress in Liverpool, England. Flexion previously reported top line results indicating that 95% of evaluable patients in the study experienced clinical benefit by Week 12, following the initial injection of ZILRETTA, as determined by self-assessment and with the agreement of their physician, and 92% received a second dose between Weeks 12 and 24. The new data presented at OARSI build on these results and demonstrate: The average time to administration of the second administration of ZILRETTA was 16.6 weeks; 74% of patients received their second administration of ZILRETTA between Weeks 16 and 24; The magnitude and duration of pain relief based on WOMAC1-A from the initial injection of ZILRETTA are in line with those observed in the pivotal Phase 3 trial with the exploratory WOMAC-A measure; By Week 4, the first post-treatment assessment time point, patients experienced a 64% improvement in WOMAC-A, a 66% improvement in WOMAC-B, a 64% improvement on WOMAC-C, and improvement represented by a doubling of the KOOS2 Quality of Life subscale score. These responses were maintained in a substantial proportion of patients through Week 12. The study enrolled a broad population of "real-world" patients with knee OA, including a significant percentage of patients who were previously treated with intra-articular corticosteroids and/or intra-articular hyaluronic acid therapy and individuals classified as Kellgren-Lawrence Grade 4, which is the most radiographically severe form of OA.

07:37 EDT Chanos says no longer short Alibaba shares - Kynikos Associates founder Jim Chanos is speaking on CNBC.

07:34 EDT GM Financial reports Q1 net income $369M vs. $202M last year - GM Financial announced net income of $369 million for the quarter ended March 31, 2018, compared to $202 million for the quarter ended March 31, 2017. Retail loan originations were $5.1 billion for the quarter ended March 31, 2018, compared to $4.4 billion for the quarter ended December 31, 2017, and $5.6 billion for the quarter ended March 31, 2017. The outstanding balance of retail finance receivables was $34.3 billion at March 31, 2018. Operating lease originations were $5.7 billion for the quarter ended March 31, 2018, compared to $5.8 billion for the quarter ended December 31, 2017, and $6.3 billion for the quarter ended March 31, 2017. Leased vehicles, net was $43.4 billion at March 31, 2018. The outstanding balance of commercial finance receivables was $10.4 billion at March 31, 2018, compared to $10.3 billion at December 31, 2017 and $8.5 billion at March 31, 2017. Retail finance receivables 31-60 days delinquent were 3.7% of the portfolio at March 31, 2018 and 3.4% at March 31, 2017. Accounts more than 60 days delinquent were 1.7% of the portfolio at March 31, 2018 and 1.4% at March 31, 2017. Annualized net charge-offs were 2.1% of average retail finance receivables for the quarter ended March 31, 2018 and 2.3% for the quarter ended March 31, 2017. The Company had total available liquidity of $19.4 billion at March 31, 2018, consisting of $4.2 billion of cash and cash equivalents, $14.1 billion of borrowing capacity on unpledged eligible assets, $0.1 billion of borrowing capacity on committed unsecured lines of credit and $1.0 billion of borrowing capacity on the Junior Subordinated Revolving Credit Facility from GM. Earnings resulting from the Company's equity investment in SAIC-GMAC, a joint venture that conducts auto finance operations in China, were $52 million for the quarter ended March 31, 2018 compared to $47 million for the quarter ended March 31, 2017.

07:30 EDT Mattersight trading resumes

07:24 EDT GNC Holdings expects 'limited' number of new store openings in 2018 - At March 31, 2018, the Company had 3,385 corporate stores in the U.S. and Canada, 1,083 domestic franchise locations, 2,428 Rite Aid franchise store-within-a-store locations and 2,009 international locations. The Company now has 8,905 store locations worldwide. As part of the ongoing optimization of the Company's store portfolio, the Company intends to close approximately 200 stores in 2018. Efforts toward favorable lease renegotiations or relocation opportunities are ongoing and may impact the amount of stores closings. The Company expects a limited number of new store openings in 2018.

07:21 EDT Chanos says he has no position in Starbucks, Chipotle

07:21 EDT Chanos has been short Restaurant Brands, Dunkin' for 'about a year' - Kynikos Associates CEO Jim Chanos is speaking on CNBC.

07:18 EDT Chanos discusses short positions in asset light restaurant models - Kynikos Associates CEO Jim Chanos, while is speaking on CNBC, discussed his short positions in restaurant companies with asset light models. Chanos announced short positions in Dunkin' Brands (DNKN) and Restaurant Brands (QSR).

07:15 EDT bebe stores says has plans in place to achieve 'significant' cost savings - B. Riley Financial (RILY) and bebe stores (BEBE) issued a joint statement to update shareholders regarding bebe. "We felt it was important to share our progress and achievements with our shareholders since embarking on bebe's business transformation," said Manny Mashouf, CEO of bebe. "With guidance from B. Riley, we have put in place plans to substantially streamline operations to achieve significant cost savings that will enable us to deliver additional value to our shareholders." As noted in bebe's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the second quarter of fiscal year 2018, bebe reported $2.1 million of licensing income from BB Brand Holdings LLC, bebe's operating subsidiary which is 50 percent jointly owned by Bluestar Alliance LLC. bebe intends to distribute proceeds from its share of licensing income net of company operating expenses to shareholders on a quarterly basis beginning in the first quarter of bebe's fiscal 2019. bebe's former headquarters located at 10345 West Olympic Boulevard in Los Angeles, CA is under contract to be sold for a price of $28.5 million. bebe's Board of Directors has approved a one-time special cash dividend of $0.50 per share on the outstanding shares of bebe stock to shareholders of record as of May 14, 2018, and paid five business days after the close of the escrow. The sale of the property is expected to close on May 21, 2018. bebe's Board of Directors has also accepted the resignation of Joe Scirocco, Managing Director, Treasurer, and Principal Financial and Accounting Officer, of bebe and its affiliates, effective as of April 20, 2018, which further streamlines company expenses.

07:14 EDT Chanos announces new short position in Dunkin' Brands - Kynikos Associates CEO Jim Chanos is speaking on CNBC.

07:14 EDT Tesla CEO Musk may be making material misstatements, Chanos says - Kynikos Associates CEO Jim Chanos, while speaking on CNBC, says Tesla CEO Elon Musk may be making material misstatements to investors regarding production targets. Chanos, who has been short Tesla shares for four years, spoke of a recently filed lawsuit against Tesla that contains interviews with 11 former executives. The former managers said they told Musk that production targets could not be met, but Musk spoke of them publicly anyway, according to Chanos.

07:12 EDT Great Western increases quarterly dividend 25% to 25c per share - The Board of Directors of Great Western Bancorp announced that it has declared a quarterly cash dividend to its stockholders. A quarterly cash dividend of 25c per common share will be paid on May 23, 2018, to all stockholders of record as of the close of business on May 11, 2018. This represents an increase of 25% compared to the most recent quarterly dividend of 20c per common share. Future dividends will be subject to Board approval.

07:11 EDT Mattersight to be acquired by Nice - Mattersight (MATR) announced that it has entered into a definitive agreement to be acquired by an affiliate of NICE Ltd. (NICE), the worldwide leading provider of both cloud and on-premises enterprise software solutions that empower organizations to make smarter decisions based on advanced analytics of structured and unstructured data. Under the terms of the agreement, NICE will launch a tender offer to purchase all outstanding shares of Mattersight's common and preferred stock, pursuant to which holders of Mattersight's common stock will receive $2.70 per common share in cash and holders of Mattersight's outstanding preferred stock will receive $7.80 per share in cash, plus accrued and unpaid dividends as of immediately prior to the closing. The per share purchase price of Mattersight's common stock represents a 26% premium to the per share closing price of Mattersight's common stock on the Nasdaq Global Market on April 25, 2018, the last trading day prior to the announcement of the transaction, and a 27% premium to the 30-day weighted-average price per share of Mattersight's common stock. The board of Mattersight has approved the transaction. The transaction is expected to close in the second half of 2018, subject to completion of the tender offer, as well certain regulatory approvals and other customary closing conditions. The transaction will be funded from NICE's cash on hand.

07:09 EDT Chanos likens Tesla executive departures to Valeant and Enron - Kynikos Associates CEO Jim Chanos is speaking on CNBC.

07:08 EDT CME Group: Q1 ADV at an all-time high of 22.2M contracts - "First-quarter 2018 average daily volume was an all-time high of 22.2 million contracts, up 30 percent compared with first-quarter 2017. Clearing and transaction fee revenue was $974 million, up 23 percent compared with first-quarter 2017. First-quarter 2018 total average rate per contract was $0.706, compared with $0.736 in fourth-quarter 2017, driven primarily by a higher proportion of volume from lower priced financial products, which grew by 49 percent while higher priced commodities rose 15 percent. Market data revenue was $95 million, down 2 percent compared with the first quarter last year."

07:07 EDT UPS up 1.5% after reporting Q1 results, backing FY18 adj. EPS guidance

07:07 EDT UPS reports Q1 cash from operations $4.1B, resulting in free cash flow of $2.6B - Revenue per piece increased 2.6% as higher base-rate pricing and fuel surcharges offset headwinds from customer and product mix. Operating profit includes headwinds from severe winter weather of $85 million, Saturday deployment, network projects and higher pension expenses. The Supply Chain and Freight segment produced another quarter of strong financial results. Revenue and operating profit grew by double digits due to successful revenue-quality initiatives, opportunistic growth strategies and structural cost reductions. Revenue increased to $3.4 billion, up 16% over 1Q 2017. The business units focused on high quality, middle-market customers. The Forwarding business led all units with 27% revenue growth, as revenue management initiatives and stable market conditions drove top-line gains. UPS Freight revenue increased 9.9% on solid LTL pricing and tonnage growth. Operating profit was $170 million, up 14% from the same quarter in 2017.

07:05 EDT General Motors says GM North America on track to sustain 10% full-year margin

07:04 EDT ConocoPhillips sees Q2 production 1,170 to 1,210 MBOED, ups year outlook - ConocoPhillips says Q2 production is expected to be 1,170 to 1,210 MBOED, which "reflects seasonal turnarounds." The company increased full-year 2018 production guidance to 1,200 to 1,240 MBOED to reflect Q1 outperformance and a change in disposition assumptions. "These and other improvements more than offset the impact from a third-party gas pipeline in Malaysia that is now assumed to be out of service for the entire year. Production guidance excludes Libya," it said. ConocoPhillips' 2018 capital guidance of $5.5B is unchanged.

07:03 EDT Milacron sees FY organic sales growth 2%-4% - In line with current market conditions, Milacron forecasts 2.0% to 4.0% organic sales growth in 2018, which is inclusive of an anticipated 1.0% foreign currency tailwind. Adjusted EBITDA is forecasted to be between $237 million and $243 million. Free Cash Flow is forecasted to be between $80 million and $90 million.

06:47 EDT Southwest sees Q2 RASM down 1%-3% - Southwest expects its sub-optimal flight schedule to continue to pressure yields in second quarter. Based on current bookings and revenue trends, the company expects second quarter 2018 RASM to decrease in the one to three percent range, compared with second quarter 2017 RASM of 14.27 cents, as recast. Approximately one to two points of this estimated decrease is attributable to recent softness in bookings following the Flight 1380 accident.

06:46 EDT Southwest CEO: 'We continue to cooperate with NTSB' regarding Flight 1380 probe - Gary C. Kelly, Chairman and CEO, stated, "It remains a somber time for the Southwest Family following the Flight 1380 accident, and our thoughts and prayers continue to be with the Riordan family, and all of our Customers on the flight. I want to extend my immense gratitude for the compassion and support shown by our Employees, Customers, and airline peers. We continue to cooperate with the National Transportation Safety Board's thorough investigation to understand the cause of the accident. We will never compromise the Safety of our Customers and Employees. It is our highest priority-today and always."

06:43 EDT Dunkin' Brands up 1.8% after reporting quarterly results

06:41 EDT Valero backs FY18 CapEx view $2.7B - The company's capital investment plans for 2018 remain at $2.7B, of which $1B is for growth projects and $1.7B is for sustaining the business.

06:37 EDT Southwest sees Q2 economic fuel costs about $2.20 per gallon - Based on the company's existing fuel derivative contracts and market prices as of April 20, 2018, second quarter 2018 economic fuel costs are estimated to be approximately $2.20 per gallon, including 6c per gallon in premium expense and an estimated 7c per gallon in favorable cash settlements from fuel derivative contracts, compared with $1.99 per gallon in second quarter 2017, as recast, which included 6c per gallon in premium expense and 32c per gallon in unfavorable cash settlements from fuel derivative contracts. As of April 20, 2018, the fair market value of the Company's fuel derivative contracts for the remainder of 2018 was a net asset of approximately $158 million, and the fair market value of the hedge portfolio settling in 2019 and beyond was a net asset of approximately $308 million. Additional information regarding the Company's fuel derivative contracts is included in the accompanying tables. Excluding fuel and oil expense and special items in both periods, first quarter 2018 operating expenses increased 1.5 percent, as compared with first quarter 2017. First quarter 2018 profitsharing expense was $102 million, as compared with $99 million in first quarter 2017. Excluding fuel and oil expense, profitsharing expense, and special items, first quarter 2018 operating expenses increased 1.4 percent, and declined 0.3 percent on a unit basis, year-over-year. Earlier this month, the Company reached an Agreement in Principle, or AIP, with the Aircraft Mechanics Fraternal Association, or AMFA, that represents the Company's Mechanics and Related Employees. Based on current cost trends, the Company estimates second quarter 2018 CASM, excluding fuel and oil expense and profitsharing expense, to increase in the one to two percent range, compared with second quarter 2017's 8.17 cents, as recast, which excluded fuel and oil expense, profitsharing expense, and special items. This second quarter 2018 year-over-year increase includes the current estimated impact of the AIP with AMFA, as well as a preliminary cost estimate related to the Flight 1380 accident. Due primarily to increases in salaries, wages, and benefits, which includes the impact of the AIP with AMFA, the company now estimates annual 2018 CASM, excluding fuel and oil expense and profitsharing expense, to be comparable with annual 2017's 8.47 cents, as recast, which excluded fuel and oil expense, profitsharing expense, and special items.

06:35 EDT Spectrum Brands names David Maura as CEO - Spectrum Brands announced that Executive Chairman David M. Maura has been named CEO, effective immediately. Maura succeeds Andreas Rouve, who has stepped down as CEO and a Director.

06:33 EDT Deutsche Bank scaling back activities in U.S. Rates sales and trading

06:32 EDT Deutsche Bank says intends to delayer management structures - The Management Board has agreed on several short and medium-term measures to reduce the bank's cost base further. The Management Board, which used to have 12 members, will become smaller as three members leave the bank as previously announced. Co-head structures in business divisions are discontinued. The bank also aims to delayer management structures across the organization to reduce costs and increase the speed of decision making. It intends to rationalize vendor costs and real estate costs worldwide and will work to improve efficiency of internal controls. In the medium-term a strategic cost program will include elements such as making cost drivers more transparent as well as identifying and removing overlapping activities. James von Moltke, Deutsche Bank's CFO, is responsible for this program. The Management Board reiterates its commitment to keep the adjusted cost base for 2018 below 23 billion euros.

06:29 EDT Deutsche Bank CEO says 'have to act decisively and to adjust our strategy' - Christian Sewing, CEO, said: "We are on a good track both in the DWS asset management business and in our Private & Commercial Bank, although we need to substantially improve profitability in both. Our Corporate & Investment Bank is also doing well in some areas and held or gained market share in certain areas. However, we are not strong enough in other areas of this business. Therefore we have to act decisively and to adjust our strategy. There is no time to lose as the current returns for our shareholders are not acceptable."

06:28 EDT EQT Midstream Partners, EQT GP, Rice Midstream announce transaction - EQT Midstream Partners, LP (EQM), EQT GP Holdings, LP EQGP), and Rice Midstream Partners LP (RMP), announced a midstream streamlining transaction that includes: EQM's acquisition of EQT Corporation's (EQT) retained midstream assets and Gulfport Energy's (GPOR) 25% ownership in the Strike Force Gathering System for $1.69 billion. EQT will receive $1.15 billion in cash and 5.9 million EQM common units and Gulfport Energy will receive $175 million in cash. The merger of EQM and RMP in a unit-for-unit transaction at an exchange ratio of 0.3319x, which implies a transaction value of $2.4 billion, including the assumption of RMP debt. The RMP debt balance as of March 31, 2018 was $325 million. EQGP's purchase of RMP's Incentive Distribution Rights from EQT for 36.3 million EQGP common units. EQM has entered into a definitive agreement with EQT to acquire its Olympus Gathering System and its 75% interest in the Strike Force Gathering System. EQM has also entered into a definitive agreement with Gulfport Energy to acquire its 25% interest in the Strike Force Gathering System. EQT will receive $1.15 billion in cash and 5.9 million EQM common units and Gulfport Energy will receive $175 million in cash. Additional details regarding the Olympus Gathering System and the Strike Force Gathering System, including an adjusted EBITDA forecast, are provided below. The acquisition is expected to close in the second quarter of 2018. EQM and RMP have entered into a definitive merger agreement under which EQM will acquire RMP in a unit-for-unit transaction. Each holder of a common unit of RMP will receive 0.3319 units of EQM, representing a 10% premium to RMP and an equity value of $2.1 billion based on the closing RMP and EQM unit prices on April 25, 2018. EQM will also assume RMP debt, which totaled $325 million as of March 31, 2018. The transaction is expected to close in the third quarter of 2018, subject to customary closing conditions and the closing of the RMP IDRs purchase. The merger of EQM and RMP creates significant operational efficiencies through the optimized buildout of gathering and header pipeline systems to service the combined EQT and legacy Rice Energy acreage footprint. The efficiency gains are expected to result in approximately $500 million of capital avoidance, while achieving the same level of gathered volume growth during the next five years. In addition to the capital synergies, EQM expects to realize savings of approximately $15 million per year in operating and maintenance expense and selling, general and administrative expense. EQGP has entered into a definitive agreement with EQT to acquire its ownership of the RMP IDRs for 36.3 million EQGP common units, which represents $937 million based on the April 25, 2018 EQGP closing unit price. The transaction is expected to close in the second quarter of 2018. In the event that the EQM/RMP merger is not completed, 8.5 million EQGP common units that had been issued as consideration would be cancelled and EQT would pay EQGP the aggregate amount of any distributions received from EQGP related to the cancelled units in cash.

06:24 EDT CNA Financial announces CFO D. Craig Mense to retire, James Anderson to succeed - CNA Financial announced that D. Craig Mense, executive VP and CFO, will retire from the company, effective December 31. James Anderson, senior VP and head of financial planning & analysis and corporate development, has been named as Mense's successor. Anderson joined CNA in 2012 and has been a member of the finance leadership team since that time. Before joining CNA, Anderson spent nearly a decade in investment banking focused on the insurance industry, ultimately as a Managing Director at Macquarie Capital.

06:21 EDT Nintendo says CEO Tatsumi Kimishima to be succeeded by Shuntaro Furukawa - Nintendo Co., Ltd. announced that it resolved to make the following changes in management at the meeting of the Board of Directors held on April 26, 2018. The changes will be effective upon receiving approval at the 78th Annual General Meeting of Shareholders to be held on June 28, 2018 and the subsequent Board of Directors meeting: CEO Tatsumi Kimishima will step down in June and be succeeded by managing director Shuntaro Furukawa.

06:18 EDT Unity Bancorp Inc increases cash dividend 17% to 7c per share - Unity Bancorp has declared a cash dividend of 7c per common share, an increase of 17% vs. the prior quarter. Such dividend is payable on June 29 to shareholders of record as of June 15.

06:12 EDT Patterson-UTI raises quarterly dividend to 4c per share from 2c per share - Patterson-UTI declared a quarterly dividend on its common stock of 4c per share, to be paid on June 21, to holders of record as of June 7. Mark Siegel, Chairman of Patterson-UTI, stated, "Our quarterly cash flow was sufficient to cover capital expenditures, dividends and share repurchases. We opportunistically repurchased 924,800 shares at an average price of $18.28 and paid our regular $0.02 per share quarterly dividend. For 2018, we continue to expect to generate substantial free cash flow, and we will remain disciplined and prudent with our capital, as we consider opportunities to maximize shareholder returns. Our capex budget for 2018 remains unchanged at approximately $675 million. We currently have $170 million of remaining authorization under our stock buyback program. Additionally, the board has approved an increase in our quarterly dividend to 4c from 2c," he concluded.

06:04 EDT Hilton raises FY18 capital return guidance to $1.7B-$1.9B

06:02 EDT BP says Helge Lung to succeed Carl-Henric Svanberg as chairman - BP (BP) announced that it has appointed Helge Lund to succeed Carl-Henric Svanberg as chairman of B. Lund will join the BP Board as chairman designate and a non-executive director on September 1, 2018. He will be appointed chairman on January 1, 2019. Lund will have a base in London. Lund, who is also chairman of Novo Nordisk AS (NVO) in Denmark, will stand down with immediate effect from his directorship at Schlumberger (SLB). The search for the new chairman was conducted by the full BP Board led by Ian Davis, the senior independent director.

05:53 EDT Flir Systems to pay $30M to settle Department of State allegations - The Department of State has concluded an administrative settlement with FLIR Systems, Inc. of Wilsonville, Oregon, to resolve alleged violations of the Arms Export Control Act, 22 U.S.C. Section 2751 et seq., and the International Traffic in Arms Regulations, 22 CFR Parts 120-130. The Department of State and FLIR have reached this settlement following an extensive compliance review by the Office of Defense Trade Controls Compliance in the Department's Bureau of Political-Military Affairs. The U.S. Department of State and FLIR have reached an agreement pursuant to ITAR Section 128.11 to address alleged unauthorized exports of defense articles, including technical data; the unauthorized provision of defense services; violation of the terms of provisos or other limitations of license authorizations; and the failure to maintain specific records involving ITAR-controlled transactions. FLIR's alleged unauthorized exports also included the retransfer of ITAR-controlled technical data and provision of defense services to dual national employees of Iran, Iraq, Lebanon, and Cuba to which the United States restricts exports of defense articles and defense services. Under the terms of the four-year Consent Agreement, FLIR will pay a civil penalty of $30M. The Department has agreed to suspend $15M of this amount on the condition that the funds have or will be used for Department-approved Consent Agreement remedial compliance measures. Also, FLIR must hire an external Designated Official to oversee the Consent Agreement, which would require the company to conduct two external audits to assess and improve its compliance program during the Agreement term as well as implement additional compliance measures. FLIR voluntarily disclosed certain alleged AECA and ITAR violations, which are resolved under this settlement to the Department. FLIR also acknowledged the serious nature of the alleged violations, cooperated with the Department's review, and instituted a number of compliance program improvements during the course of the Department's review. For these reasons, the Department has determined that an administrative debarment of FLIR is not appropriate at this time.

05:48 EDT Teva to cut size of board after June shareholders meeting - Three directors are stepping down from the board at Teva and only one new director is being nominated to replace them, the company said in a regulatory filing. Ronit Satchi-Fainaro will be the only new nominee at a June 5 shareholders meeting, while currrent directors Galia Maor, Gabrielle Sulzberger and Dan Suesskind will not submit their candidacy for reelection. This will leave the board with 11 members, down from the current 13.

05:38 EDT ProMedica Health System to acquire HCR ManorCare - ProMedica, a mission-based, not-for-profit healthcare system focused on improving health and well-being across the care continuum, announced today it is planning to acquire HCR ManorCare, the nation's second largest provider of post-acute services and long-term care. The partnership will enable ProMedica to gain immediate scale in the fast-growing home health and post-acute care markets, obtain a best-in-class portfolio of assets staffed by highly trained and dedicated healthcare professionals, and develop a diversified business that can better evolve with the current healthcare industry. ProMedica and Welltower (WELL) entered into a strategic joint venture agreement to facilitate the acquisition of HCR ManorCare and Arden Courts real estate assets from Quality Care Properties (QCP).

05:32 EDT Welltower to acquire Quality Care Properties for $20.75 per share in cash - Welltower (WELL) and Quality Care Properties (QCP) announced that the board of both companies have unanimously approved a definitive agreement under which Welltower will acquire all of the outstanding shares of QCP in an all cash deal for $20.75 per share offer. Concurrent with this agreement, Welltower formed an 80/20 joint venture with ProMedica, a leading regional not-for-profit health system, containing the real estate of QCP's principal tenants, HCR ManorCare and Arden Courts. ProMedica also announced it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire the operations of HCR ManorCare and Arden Courts, the nation's second largest provider of post-acute services and long-term care. The partnership will enable ProMedica to gain immediate scale in the fast-growing home health, post-acute and memory care markets, obtain a best-in-class portfolio of assets staffed by highly trained and dedicated healthcare professionals, and develop a diversified business that can better evolve with the current healthcare industry. Upon completion of these transactions, Welltower and ProMedica will enter into a new lease agreement with key terms as follows: 15-year absolute triple-net master lease with full corporate guarantee of A1/A+ rated ProMedica; 8% initial cash yield with property level EBITDAR coverage of 1.8x; ProMedica will invest as much as $400M of growth and upgrade capital over the next five years; Underlying portfolio EBITDAR comprised of 70% Post-Acute and 30% Seniors Housing; Year one escalator of 1.375% and 2.75% annual escalator thereafter.

05:18 EDT Erin Energy files voluntary petitions under Chapter 11 to pursue reorganization - Erin Energy and certain of its subsidiaries announced that they had filed voluntary petitions under Chapter 11 of the United States Code in the United States Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of Texas, Houston Division to pursue a plan of reorganization. Erin Energy and its subsidiaries will continue to operate under the jurisdiction of the Court and in accordance with the applicable provisions of the Code and the orders of the Court. To assure ordinary operations, Erin Energy is seeking approval from the Bankruptcy Court for a variety of motions, including authority to maintain bank accounts and other customary relief. Erin is in the process of looking for a source of debtor in possession financing to provide it with the necessary working capital to continue its operations and move towards a successful Reorganization Plan. Subject to the approval of the Court, the company plans to file a Reorganization Plan with the Court in the near term with a goal to work expeditiously with all parties involved to put together a plan that will result in Erin Energy's emergence from Chapter 11 as soon as practically possible. Femi Ayoade, Erin Energy's CEO commented, "We will work diligently with all parties involved to complete the restructuring as quickly as possible so as to restructure all of the Company's debt obligations in order to achieve financial stability and reposition Erin Energy with a strengthened liquidity position to execute on our extensive asset development opportunities." Ayoade added: "The Company recently successfully drilled a discovery well in the Miocene formation in its offshore Nigeria licenses on a structure that independent analysis estimates could hold over a billion barrels of reserves. In The Gambia, Erin Energy holds a 20% interest in blocks A2 & A5 containing potentially, according to its Operator, over 800 million barrels of reserves. A well will be drilled there in the 4th Quarter of this year and the Company is being carried and has no obligation to fund that well." In Ghana, work is in progress to acquire a marine 3D seismic survey later this year. The newly acquired 3D data will be used for the appraisal well drilling and development planning.