Stockwinners Market Radar for May 08, 2018 - Earnings, Upgrades downgrades, option trades, Best Stock Advisory Service

21:03 EDT Box, Fujitsu to partner on content collaboration technology - Box (BOX) announced that Fujitsu (FJTSY) has adopted Box as its content collaboration tool on its global communication platform, to strengthen collaboration between internal teams, customers, and vendors. Box has already been rolled out to 80,000 employees in Japan, and is now being implemented across its entire global workforce. Fujitsu promotes internal communication by using the latest technology, and it enables its employees to work from anywhere at any time and on any device. Fujitsu has adopted Box to support collaboration among internal teams and customers, as well as for secure content sharing with people outside the company. Fujitsu's global communication platform uses Microsoft's Office 365 for its group companies' information communication and knowledge sharing. Fujitsu has chosen Box, which integrates with Office 365, for cloud content management in a secure environment that enables enhanced collaboration.

20:08 EDT HSBC announces $2B buyback of common stock - HSBC Holdings plc announces that, as outlined in its announcement on 4 May 2018, it will commence a share buy-back of HSBC's ordinary shares of US$0.50 each for up to a maximum consideration of US$2,000,000,000. The purpose of the Buy-back is to reduce HSBC's outstanding Ordinary Shares.

19:06 EDT Kinross Gold backs FY18 CapEx roughly $1.075B, plus or minus 5% - As previously announced on February 14, 2018, Kinross expects to produce 2.5M Au eq. oz., plus or minus 5%, for the year, and be at or slightly above the same level of production for 2019 and 2020. The company expects production cost of sales per Au eq. oz. to be $730, plus or minus 5%, and all-in sustaining cost to be $975, plus or minus 5%, per ounce sold on both a gold equivalent and by-product basis for the year. Kinross expects production cost of sales per Au eq. oz. to decline slightly in 2019 and 2020 as lower cost production comes online. Total capital expenditures are forecast to be approximately $1.075B, plus or minus 5%, for the year, which include sustaining capital of $355M and non-sustaining capital of approximately $680M to advance the company's development projects.

18:12 EDT Align Technology exec Wright sells 27,492 common shares - In a regulatory filing, Align Technology SVP of operations Emory Wright disclosed the sale of 27,492 common shares of the company at a price of $263.675 per share.

18:06 EDT Align Technology's Olson sells 4,063 common shares - In a regulatory filing, Align Technology SVP and managing director Jennifer Olson disclosed the sale of 4,063 common shares of the company at a price of $263.9901 per share.

18:04 EDT Nanometrics' Stultz sells 35,000 common shares - In a regulatory filing, Nanometrics director Timothy J. Stultz disclosed the sale of 35,000 common shares of the company in two transactions. The first transaction of 20,000 shares was priced at $35.22 per share, while the second transaction of 15,000 shares was priced at $35.65 per share.

17:50 EDT Occidental Petroleum sees FY18 production 645-665 Mboed - Sees Permian Resources production of 198-210 Mboed; International production of 289 -295 Mboed.

17:35 EDT Opko Health jumps 8% after quarterly results - Currently shares are up 7.76% to $3.47 in after-hours trading.

17:33 EDT Encore Capital sees Cabot deal as accretive to earnings in 2018 and beyond - "This agreement is an important milestone in an extremely successful relationship with Cabot in which they've exhibited strong growth and are well positioned to capture significant future opportunities," said Ashish Masih, President and CEO of Encore. "This transaction also fortifies our long-term plan to strengthen and develop our international business. With operations and investments in 16 countries, our international presence continues to have strategic value for Encore and enables the sharing of best practices around the world. From a financial perspective, the transaction is expected to be accretive to earnings in 2018 and beyond. Assuming a June 30 close, according to our current estimates, Encore earnings growth is expected to accelerate to at least 20% in 2018."

17:25 EDT Disney says 'Black Panther' drove theatrical segment growth - Says the company plans to fuel Hulu with original programming from both Disney (DIS) and Fox (FOX). Says don't conclude that there wont be another Avengers movie. Comments taken from Q2 earnings conference call.

17:15 EDT Marriott raises FY18 worldwide constant dollar RevPAR growth view to 3%-4% - A 1.5 percentage point increase over the mid-point of prior guidance.

17:14 EDT Scynexis reports cash and equivalents $63.7M as of March 31

17:13 EDT Macy's Star Rewards program now open to all customers - Macy's announced that the retailer's Star Rewards program is getting "bigger and better," and will now be open to all customers, regardless of how they pay for their purchases. Additionally, all Star Rewards members will enjoy new benefits, including Star Money Days, Perks & Offers, and a Birthday Surprise. "Macy's is thrilled to be launching our next phase of Star Rewards, which allows all customers to participate in our loyalty program," said Rich Lennox, Macy's chief marketing officer. "Since the relaunch of Star Rewards last fall, our customers have responded with tremendous enthusiasm for enhanced benefits and rewards they received as part of the program. With the addition of the Bronze level, we've made earning rewards simple for everyone, no matter how you pay." In addition to Bronze benefits, Macy's cardholders will receive: Silver - Customers who spend up to $499 annually at Macy's with their Macy's credit card will receive 25 percent off any day they choose with Star Pass coupons; Gold - With $500 to $1,199 annual spend at Macy's on a Macy's credit card, customers will receive 25 percent off any day they choose with Star Pass coupons and free shipping on all Macy's purchases when they use a Macy's credit card; Platinum - With $1,200 or more annual spend at Macy's on a Macy's credit card, customers will receive 25 percent off any day they choose with Star Pass coupons, free shipping on all Macy's purchases, and five percent back in rewards on every Macy's merchandise purchase in-store and online with no merchandise exclusions when they use a Macy's credit card.

17:09 EDT O'Reilly Automotive says Greg Johnson, was promoted to CEO, Shaw to COO - O'Reilly Automotive announced the completion of its previously announced leadership succession plan and updated the target leverage ratio as part of its long-term capital structure. During today's Annual Meeting of Shareholders, Greg Henslee, who has served as the Company's Chief Executive Officer since February of 2005, was elected to serve as a Director on the Company's Board of Directors and was subsequently appointed by the Board to serve as Executive Vice Chairman. In conjunction with Mr. Henslee's election to the Board, Greg Johnson, was promoted to CEO and Co-President, and Jeff Shaw was promoted to Chief Operating Officer and Co-President."With Greg Henslee's election to the Board and accepting the Executive Vice Chairman position, we have successfully completed our leadership succession plan," stated David O'Reilly, O'Reilly's Executive Chairman of the Board. "."During the quarterly Board meeting following the Annual Meeting of Shareholders, the Board approved a change to the Company's target rent-adjusted Debt to EBITDAR leverage ratio, updating the previous target range originally established in January of 2011 at 2.00 times to 2.25 times to a target ratio of 2.50 times, using six-times capitalized rent.Greg Johnson, O'Reilly's CEO and Co-President stated, "We established our original target leverage ratio range of 2.00 to 2.25 times over seven years ago, and based on our profitable growth and effective management of our capital, we believe it is appropriate to update our target leverage ratio to 2.50 times, which will provide us with increased financial flexibility and liquidity while also maintaining our historically prudent financial policies. We believe this updated ratio is the appropriate capital structure for our Company, and we remain committed to maintaining our investment-grade credit ratings. Adjusted debt to EBITDAR is a very important metric but only one of several we use to manage our capital structure, and we will reach the new target at the appropriate time."

17:06 EDT CytoSorbents sees Q2 product sales exceeding Q1 levels

17:04 EDT Franklin Resources reports month-end AUM $732.5B - Franklin Resources, reported preliminary month-end assets under management of $732.5B at April 30, compared to $737.5B at March 31. The decrease in assets under management was attributable to net outflows which were partially offset by market appreciation. Preliminary average assets under management for the quarter, through April 30, were $735B.

17:03 EDT San Mateo Black River Oil Pipeline announces binding open season - San Mateo Black River Oil Pipeline, a subsidiary of San Mateo Midstream, announced its binding open season to gauge shipper interest in committed crude oil interstate transportation service on the Rustler Breaks Pipeline Project, a proposed approximately 17-mile, 10-inch diameter crude petroleum gathering and transportation system to be constructed and operated by San Mateo from certain points of origin in Eddy County, New Mexico to an interconnect with Plains Pipeline, L.P. in Eddy County, New Mexico.

17:01 EDT Pentair targets core sales growth of 2-4% per year

16:59 EDT Haverty Furniture increases stock repurchase authorization - The board of Haverty approved a new authorization under its stock repurchase program that permits the company to purchase up to $10.0M of its common stock and Class A common stock. The company has approximately $5.4M remaining for purchases under a previously approved authorization. Shares may be repurchased, at the company's discretion, from time-to-time in the open market or in privately negotiated transactions.

16:58 EDT Powell continues to expect a net loss in fiscal 2018 - Powell continues to expect a net loss in fiscal 2018. However, the company estimates its second half fiscal 2018 performance to show an improvement over the first half as new customer orders have improved as anticipated.

16:56 EDT Syndax sees Q2 research and development expenses $15M-$18M - Sees Q2 total operating expenses $20M-$23M.

16:55 EDT Emerge Energy subsidiary commences shipments from new plant - Emerge Energy Services announced that its subsidiary Superior Silica Sands has commenced frac sand shipments from its new San Antonio dry plant. The first shipments from the new dry plant were loaded and trucked directly to the Eagle Ford basin on Saturday, May 5. The new dry plant started production at the end of April, pre-loading silos with finished sand inventory.

16:48 EDT Intel Capital, NBA announce emerging technology initiative - The National Basketball Association and Intel Capital announced a sports and entertainment technology innovation collaboration called the "NBA + Intel Capital Emerging Technology Initiative." The multiyear collaboration will foster the identification, formation and growth of technology companies that have the potential to impact the future of the NBA, sports and entertainment. This initiative aims to identify new technologies from global companies at all stages, but particularly U.S.-based startups that the NBA and Intel Capital will evaluate for potential partnership and investment opportunities. Among the companies that the NBA and Intel Capital will assess will be those with new technology solutions that can enhance the NBA game on the court, the overall fan experience and the sports industry worldwide. In addition, the NBA and Intel Capital will provide mentorship, strategic planning and business development support for the selected companies.

16:45 EDT I AM Capital Acquisition Company trading resumes

16:43 EDT Shenandoah appoints David Heimbach COO - Shenandoah Telecommunications Company announced that David Heimbach has joined the company as executive VP and COO. Heimbach will be responsible for the leadership of Shentel's Wireless, Cable, and Wireline business units.

16:43 EDT Marriott CEO says 'integration of Starwood is going well' - Arne Sorenson, president and CEO of Marriott International, said, "Worldwide constant dollar RevPAR increased 3.6 percent, exceeding the high end of our expectations for the first quarter and reflecting solid economic growth around the world. Given improving demand fundamentals, we have increased our expectations for full year 2018 worldwide constant dollar RevPAR growth to 3 to 4 percent, a 1.5 percentage point increase over the mid-point of our prior guidance. Our development pipeline reached a new record of nearly 465,000 rooms and we remain on track to achieve worldwide room additions of 5.5 to 6 percent, net of deletions, for full year 2018. In the first quarter, we signed contracts for nearly 20,000 rooms, with nearly half of those rooms in the luxury and upper upscale tiers. In fact, according to STR, the number of luxury and upper-upscale rooms in our pipeline at the end of the first quarter exceeded that of our next three global competitors combined. The integration of Starwood is going well. Last month, we announced that our loyalty programs will be unified in August 2018, with all of our properties appearing on both Marriott and Starwood websites and apps at that time. Our members are excited about the enhanced benefits that will be offered under the unified loyalty programs. We remain focused on delivering outstanding profit growth, while maximizing shareholder returns. Year-to-date through May 8, we have already returned $1.2 billion to shareholders through dividends and share repurchases and believe we could return at least $3.0 billion in 2018."

16:41 EDT American Renal Associates backs FY18 adj. EBITDA-NCI view $110M-$116M

16:40 EDT Cohen & Steers reports preliminary AUM $58.5B as of April 30 - An increase of $35M from March 31, 2018. The increase was due to market appreciation of $451M, partially offset by distributions of $271M and net outflows of $145M.

16:35 EDT Monster Beverage down 7.7% after reporting Q1 earnings results

16:34 EDT Marriott sees FY18 investment spending $600M-$700M - The company expects investment spending in 2018 will total approximately $600 million to $700 million, including approximately $225 million for maintenance capital. Investment spending also includes other capital expenditures (including property acquisitions), new mezzanine financing and mortgage notes, contract acquisition costs, and equity and other investments. Assuming this level of investment spending and no additional asset sales, at least $3.0 billion could be returned to shareholders through share repurchases and dividends in 2018.

16:32 EDT DDR approves one-for-two reverse stock split - DDR Corp. announced that its board of directors has unanimously approved a one-for-two reverse stock split of the company's common shares. The reverse stock split was authorized by the company's shareholders at the annual meeting of shareholders held on May 8, 2018. As a result of the reverse stock split, every two of the company's issued common shares will be exchanged for one of the company's common shares. The company's shareholders will not receive fractional shares in connection with the reverse stock split, but will receive cash in lieu of fractional shares. The company currently anticipates that its common shares will begin trading on a split-adjusted basis on the New York Stock Exchange at the opening of trading on May 21, 2018.

16:31 EDT Hackett Group increases stock repurchase program by $5M

16:28 EDT Encore Capital to acquire remaining interest in Cabot - Encore Capital Group announced an agreement to purchase the remaining interest in Cabot Credit Management from existing shareholders, including J.C. Flowers & Co., for 5M shares of Encore common stock and approximately $238.2M, which will result in Cabot becoming a wholly owned subsidiary of Encore. In 2013, Encore made an initial strategic investment in Cabot representing an approximate 43% ownership interest, in anticipation of Cabot eventually becoming a wholly owned subsidiary. Subject to regulatory approvals and other customary closing conditions, the transaction, which has been unanimously approved by Encore's board of directors, is expected to close within 90 days.

16:26 EDT Ardelyx reports cash and equivalents $127.4M as of March 31 - As of March 31, Ardelyx had total capital resources including cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments of $127.4M compared to total capital resources including cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments of $134.0M as of December 31, 2017.

16:24 EDT Bojangles reports Q1 comparable restaurant sales down 0.6% - Q1 system-wide comparable restaurant sales decreased 0.6%, while company-operated comparable restaurant sales decreased 1.8% and franchised comparable restaurant sales increased 0.2%.

16:20 EDT Wendy's says on track to achieve 2020 goals - The Company continues to expect to achieve the following goals by the end of 2020: Global systemwide sales (in constant currency and excluding Venezuela) of ~$12 billion. Global restaurant count of ~7,250. Global Image Activation of at least 70 percent. Adjusted EBITDA margin of 37 to 39 percent. Free cash flow of ~$300 million (capital expenditures of ~$65 million).

16:20 EDT Model N names Jason Blessing CEO - Model N announced that Jason Blessing will assume the role of Chief Executive Officer and will join the company's Board of Directors, succeeding Founder and interim CEO Zack Rinat. Charles Robel, who has served on the Board of Directors for over 10 years, will assume the position of Chairman. Both appointments are effective May 10, 2018. In relinquishing his role as interim CEO, Founder Zack Rinat has also resigned from the board, and will become a strategic advisor, dedicated to ensuring an effective transition.

16:17 EDT Theravance Biopharma reaffirms FY18 operating loss view $180.0M-$200.0M - The Company's guidance on operating loss excluding non-cash share-based compensation for the FY18 remains unchanged at $180.0M-$200.0M. The actual amount could be above or below this forecast as a result of a variety of factors impacting the business, including the amount of revenue recognized in 2018 related to the global collaboration agreement with Janssen, currently expected to be less than $25M, the timing and cost of clinical studies associated with Company's key programs, and net product sales of VIBATIV. The Company's financial guidance for 2018 does not include income related to Trelegy Ellipta.

16:17 EDT Gannett board approves $100M stock repurchase program - Gannett said its board approved a $100M, three-year stock repurchase program, which replaces the program approved in July 2015. "We are pleased that the Board approved this new program. As with the prior authorization, we expect to use this program to buy back shares opportunistically to return value to shareholders from time to time as market conditions warrant," said Robert J. Dickey, president and chief executive officer of Gannett.

16:15 EDT FactSet announces planned departure of CFO Maurizio Nicolelli - FactSet announced that it has entered into a separation agreement with Maurizio Nicolelli, the company's CFO. The agreement was entered into after Nicolelli and FactSet discussed his transition from his role as senior VP, CFO, to pursue other interests. Nicolelli will remain with FactSet through December, until a successor has joined to ensure a smooth transition of his duties.

16:14 EDT Insys announces license partnership to commercialize Subsys in Middle East - INSYS Therapeutics announced that it has agreed to an exclusive license partnership with Lunatus for commercialization of Subsys in the Middle East. Based in Dubai with satellite offices across the Gulf Cooperation Council, Lunatus will be the exclusive licensee for Subsys in Bahrain, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. Under the terms of the partnership, INSYS Therapeutics' responsibilities will include supplying Subsys to Lunatus, whose responsibilities will include obtaining the required regulatory approvals to commercialize Subsys in the licensed territory.

16:12 EDT GoDaddy names Betsy Rafael as Chief Transformation Officer, - GoDaddy announces that board member Betsy Rafael will be joining the company as Chief Transformation Officer, helping ensure GoDaddy's processes and systems scale as the company grows around the world. With more than 30 years of experience at companies such as Apple and Cisco, Rafael is well suited to help transition the company for its next phase of growth. Upon her assumption of this role, Rafael will resign from GoDaddy's board of directors.

16:11 EDT GoDaddy reports Q1 ARPU of $138, up 5.8% y/y

16:08 EDT Electronic Arts announces new $2.4B stock repurchase program - EA has announced a new two-year program to repurchase up to $2.4 billion of EA's common stock. This program supersedes and replaces the stock repurchase program announced in May 2017.

16:07 EDT Disney reports Q2 Media Networks revenue $6.14B vs. $5.95B last year - Reports Q2 Parks and Resorts revenue $4.88B vs. $4.3B a year ago; Studio Entertainment revenue $2.45B vs. 2.03B last year; Consumer Products & Interactive Media revenue $1.08B vs. $1.06B last year.

16:03 EDT RiceBran reaffirms FY18 revenue target of $16M, consensus $15.06M - The company said, "Q2 revenue to-date has grown, but we note the next few months may be negatively impacted by lower supplies coming from the Delta. The new rice crop should be harvested in July-August . The USDA sees rice acre plantings up 9% in 2018, and the planting and growing conditions so far this season have been favorable in both the Delta and California. We are reiterating our annual revenue target of $16.0M. While adjusted EBITDA was similar to internal modeling in the first quarter, the milling issues in Delta region will likely result in adjusted EBITDA falling below the Q1 results. While we expect a marked sequential improvement in revenue and adjusted EBITDA in both the third and fourth quarters, we now expect full year adjusted EBITDA in the ($3.5M)-($4.0M) range. We continue to believe our balance sheet is sufficient to support our growth plan for 2018 and beyond.

15:47 EDT Fossil CEO says Q1 results 'encouraging start' to year - Kosta Kartsotis, Fossil Chairman and CEO, commented: "We had an encouraging start to the year, delivering first quarter sales results that were stronger than our expectations. This performance reflects the disciplined execution of our strategy which capitalizes on our strong design, innovation, distribution and operating capabilities. These core capabilities, when combined with powerful global brand portfolio, drove our connected watch sales and helped improve traditional watch performance, while increasing efficiencies across our enterprise. During the first quarter, connected watch sales nearly doubled, FOSSIL brand watch sales grew 4% globally and comparable retail sales increased 5%. Following quarter end, we were pleased to announce Puma as our new licensed watch brand. We are excited to add this strong global brand to our portfolio, with plans to begin distribution of Puma watches in 2019. We believe we have the right strategies, brands and balance sheet strength to continue to transform our Company and ultimately return to long term profitable growth."

15:25 EDT Fossil up 15% after apparent early release of earnings report - Shares of Fossil are trading higher as Bloomberg headlines appear to indicate that the company's earnings report, due after the close, was leaked early.

14:48 EDT Arkansas PUC approves Southwestern Electric's Wind Catcher project - Southwestern Electric Power Co., an American Electric Power (AEP) company, announced that the Arkansas Public Service Commission determined the Wind Catcher Energy Connection project is in the public interest. The APSC's decision approved provisions of a settlement agreement submitted in a Feb. 20 joint motion by the APSC General Staff, the Arkansas Attorney General, SWEPCO, Walmart Stores, Inc. (WMT) and Sam's West, Inc. Wind Catcher Energy Connection is a major wind farm and a dedicated power line that will bring low-cost, clean, reliable energy to AEP customers in Arkansas, Louisiana, Oklahoma and Texas. The $4.5B project includes the acquisition of a 2,000-megawatt wind farm under construction in the Oklahoma Panhandle, and construction of an approximately 350-mile dedicated power line that will carry the wind energy to the Tulsa area, where the existing grid will deliver it to customers. SWEPCO will own 70% of the project. SWEPCO's sister company, Public Service Company of Oklahoma, will own 30%.

14:24 EDT RXi Pharmaceuticals granted patent from USPTO for sd-rxRNA methods of use - RXi Pharmaceuticals announced that it was granted a patent from the United States Patent and Trademark Office for the methods of use of sd-rxRNAs targeting Connective Tissue Growth Factor for the treatment or prevention of fibrotic disorders, including skin fibrosis. This patent includes RXI-109 and its use in dermal scarring, for which the safety and efficacy was shown in a recent Phase 2 clinical trial with statistically significant outcomes for improved visual appearance for RXI-109 treated scar over control. The patent is set to expire in 2031.

13:23 EDT La Quinta board approves spin-off of CorePoint Lodging - La Quinta Holdings (LQ) announced that its Board of Directors has formally approved the distribution to its stockholders of all of the outstanding shares of common stock of CorePoint Lodging, which will become the holder of the owned real estate assets previously held by La Quinta. Promptly following the distribution of CorePoint Lodging, La Quinta, which will then continue to hold its management and franchise businesses, expects to complete the previously announced merger with Wyndham Worldwide Corporation (WYN) in accordance with and subject to the terms of the Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of January 17, 2018, by and among the Company, Wyndham Worldwide and WHG BB Sub. In connection with the approval of the CorePoint Lodging distribution, the La Quinta Board of Directors has also set the distribution ratio, record date and distribution date for the spin-off. As a result, the following will occur:Subject to the satisfaction or waiver of certain conditions, the completion of the CorePoint Lodging spin-off, followed by the completion of the La Quinta Merger, is expected to be completed on May 30, 2018. In connection with the spin-off distribution, La Quinta stockholders will receive one share of CorePoint Lodging for every one share of La Quinta, after giving effect to a 1-for-2 reverse stock split immediately prior to the distribution. In connection with the closing of the Merger, La Quinta stockholders will be entitled to receive $8.40 in cash per share, without interest. Immediately following the distribution, CorePoint Lodging will be an independent, publicly traded company, and La Quinta will retain no ownership interest in CorePoint Lodging. CorePoint Lodging is expected to begin regular-way trading on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol "CPLG" on May 31, 2018.

12:41 EDT Game On: Activision beats Q1 estimates, says Overwatch League reaches 'millions' - Welcome to "Game On," The Fly's weekly recap of the stories powering up or beating down video game stocks. NEW RELEASES: This week's major release is "Warmind," a downloadable expansion for Activision Blizzard's (ATVI) "Destiny 2." The expansion launches today for the game, which is available on Xbox One (MSFT), PlayStation 4 (SNE), and PC. ACTIVISION EARNINGS: Last week, Activision Blizzard reported better-than-expected first quarter adjusted earnings and revenue and raised its fiscal 2018 adjusted earnings per share and adjusted revenue guidance. On the other hand, the game maker provided a second quarter outlook that was below consensus estimates. In a bizarre occurrence, however, Dow Jones reported Activision Blizzard's quarterly results hours before the company was scheduled to. Dow Jones confirmed at the time that it did "inadvertently" release the information early. On its quarterly call, Activision Blizzard said the Wall Street Journal released a "completely inaccurate headline" on its earnings and noted that the Journal had issued an apology. OVERWATCH LEAGUE: In addition, Activision Blizzard said on its quarterly call that Overwatch League, its esports league based on the game "Overwatch," has been "outperforming expectations," with the League reaching "millions" of viewers each week. The company added that the average viewing time for Overwatch League is over an hour. SWITCH ONLINE SERVICE: Last night, Nintendo (NTDOY) unveiled its paid online service for its popular Switch console. The service, which launches in September, will let users play compatible Switch games online, access classic NES games with added online functionality, back up save data for most games, and use additional features for the Nintendo Switch Online smartphone app. The company is offering a variety of price points for the service, including a one month membership for $3.99, a three month membership for $7.99, and a 12 month membership for $19.99. In addition, the company is offering a 12-month family membership for $34.99 that will allow up to eight Nintendo Account holders to use the online service, even on different systems. Though a collection of 20 NES games will be available for play under the new service, a Nintendo spokesperson told Kotaku that there are currently "no plans" to bring other classic games under the Virtual Console banner to the Switch. FORTNITE/AVENGERS: Yesterday, Epic Games' "Fortnite" announced on its official Twitter account that the popular game will receive a limited-time update starting May 8 that will feature the supervillain Thanos from the Disney (DIS) film "Avengers: Infinity War." Epic Games is 40% owned by Tencent (TCEHY) and is part of Disney's Accelerator Program.

12:33 EDT RV makers skid after outdoor retailer Camping World reports results - Earlier today, Camping World (CWH) reported first quarter results that were mostly in-line with analysts' expectations. The outdoor retailer, which also sells an assortment of recreational vehicles, reported Q1 earnings per share of 41c on revenue of $1.1B. Analysts had been expecting EPS of 42c on revenue of $1.05B. CEO COMMENTARY: Marcus Lemonis, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, stated, "We had a very strong first quarter and are pleased with the continued performance of our business. For the quarter, total revenue increased 20.4% to a first-quarter record $1.1B, total gross profit increased 21.0% to a first-quarter record $304.8M, Adjusted Pro Forma Net Income increased 16.5% to $36.9M and Adjusted EBITDA of $71.8M was right in line with our expectation. While the unseasonably cold weather throughout a good portion of the country has likely impacted the early part of the peak selling season, we believe the backdrop across the RV industry remains strong and we continue to plan our business around a mid-single digit increase in same-store sales in 2018." EXPENSES INCREASE: Operating expenses increased 40.1% to $255M in Q1, while selling, general and administrative expenses increased 39.7% to $245.1M. The increase in SG&A expenses was primarily driven by the additional expenses associated with the 21 additional RV retail locations, 28 Gander Outdoors locations which included $19.7 million of pre-opening costs associated with the store openings, one Overton's location, two TheHouse.com locations, two W82 locations, five Uncle Dan's locations and four Erehwon Mountain Outfitter locations operated during the first quarter of 2018. PRICE ACTION: Shares of Camping World are down 16% or $4.52, to $23.10 in early afternoon trading. RV STOCKS LOWER: Shares of recreational vehicle makers Thor Industries (THO) and Winnebago (WGO) are both down about 8% after Camping World's results.

12:11 EDT TAM Capital Management sends open letter to Boardwalk Partners, Loews - TAM Capital Management, one of the largest minority shareholders in Boardwalk Pipeline Partners (BWP) released an open letter to the Boards of Directors Loews Corporation (L) and Boardwalk Pipeline Partners. The letter read, in part, "I write to express my outrage at the recent actions of the Loews Corporation, led by the members of the Tisch family who serve on its board, to artificially depress the stock price of Boardwalk Partners These efforts appear to be a brazen attempt to effect a buyout of the company for a fraction of its fair value and in contravention of terms and intent of the Master Limited Partnership agreement. As one of Boardwalk's largest minority unitholders, I am shocked and deeply disappointed at the manner in which Loews and its leadership are treating their fellow shareholders and limited partners, and I call upon them to immediately take action to rectify the situation they have created...Instead of announcing a buyout, Lowes inserted the possibility of a future buyout as a means to cap the price at which the MLP units could trade, while giving Loews and its leadership an ongoing option to complete the buyout whenever the price of the MLP units declined to an acceptable level. The reaction from the market was predictable: in the week after the announcement, Boardwalk's stock price plunged over 16%, falling from $11.04 to $9.26, as the fear of Loews exercising its call option at some uncertain date at some uncertain price led investors to scramble to get out of the stock. Meanwhile, as minority unitholders suffer, the crisis that Loews has improperly manufactured has been working to its own benefit. Every day that Boardwalk's stock price falls, Loews's option-which is based on the historical trading price-becomes cheaper to exercise. By refusing to clarify its intentions, Loews has created a death spiral for Boardwalk's stock...Boardwalk's stock has been rapidly sinking, such that with each passing day minority unitholders will get less for their shares whenever the call option is ultimately exercised...I write to you today because there is still time for Loews and the members of the Tisch family who serve on its board to restore their reputations for fair dealing and avoid legal action. If Loews believes that it has the right to exercise the call option in the MLP agreement, it should immediately commit to doing so at an unaffected price of at a minimum $13.15 per share. If, however, Loews does not intend to exercise this right, it should promptly commit to not exercising this right in the future to remove the overhang that it has created in Boardwalk's stock. Alternatively, it should publicly commit to converting Boardwalk to a C-Corporation to offer certainty that the company is not affected by the FERC orders either now or in the future and to allow all unitholders to benefit from its future prospects. It is my sincere hope that Loews and its leadership will commit to acting fairly and protecting the interests of all of Boardwalk's unitholders."

12:05 EDT 3M sees repurchasing $3B-$5B in stock in 2018 - In a regulatory filing earlier, 3M stated: "In the first three months of 2018, the company purchased $937M of its own stock, compared to $690M of stock purchases in the first three months of 2017. As of March 31, 2018, approximately $4.2B remained available under the February 2016 authorization. The company expects to purchase $3.0B to $5.0B of its own stock in 2018."

12:03 EDT MER Telemanagement receives Nasdaq notice of non-compliance - Mer Telemanagement Solutions announced today that on May 7, 2018 it received a NASDAQ Staff Determination letter indicating that the company has failed to comply with the continued listing requirement that it maintain either a minimum of $2.5M in stockholders' equity, or $35M market value of listed securities, or $500,000 of net income from continuing operations for the most recently completed fiscal year, or two of the three most recently completed fiscal years, as set forth in NASDAQ Marketplace Rule 5550(b)(1), and that the Staff is therefore reviewing the company's eligibility for continued listing on The NASDAQ Capital Market. In accordance with NASDAQ Marketplace Rule 5810(c)(2)(A), the Company has 45 calendar days, or until June 21, 2018, to submit a plan to regain compliance. If the plan is accepted, NASDAQ can grant an extension of up to 180 calendar days from the date of the letter to evidence compliance. The company is evaluating several options to regain compliance with the continued listing requirement.

11:54 EDT LivePerson starts conversational commerce partner program for solution providers - LivePerson has launched a global partner program focused on enabling solution providers to sell a comprehensive conversational commerce solution to small and medium-sized businesses. "The majority of our day-to-day conversations happen in digital messaging channels like SMS and Facebook Messenger, among many others. Almost all of the world's most popular smartphone apps include messaging capabilities - it's how people prefer to communicate with friends and family. With messaging as the channel of choice in our personal lives, businesses are now playing catch-up in order to stay connected to consumers. Conversational commerce enables businesses to create a convenient and personalized digital experience for consumers at scale - answering their questions, providing information, and completing transactions directly in the messaging channels that they already use everyday, said the company in a statement out earlier. "Not only do consumers prefer conversational commerce, but the businesses that are embracing it are seeing transformational results. When it comes to driving more sales, the conversion rates of conversational experiences are double or triple those of traditional websites. In customer care, businesses are reducing costs by around 30%, due to the efficiency of messaging. It's now very clear that conversational commerce will forever change the way consumers and businesses interact," said Avi Kedmi, EVP of the commercial business group at LivePerson. LivePerson's conversational platform, LiveEngage, enables businesses to message with their consumers on the most popular digital messaging channels from a single place. And with built-in AI-powered bots, businesses can handle these interactions at scale.

11:30 EDT Boeing, Lufthansa Group complete order for four 777 airplanes - Boeing and the Lufthansa Group completed an order for four more 777 airplanes, valued at $1.4B at list prices, Boeing announced. The order provides two more Boeing 777-300ER airplanes for Swiss International Air Lines, the national carrier of Switzerland and a member of the Lufthansa Group. The order also provides two more 777 Freighters for Lufthansa Cargo.

11:06 EDT Square launches Square for Restaurants - Square launched Square for Restaurants, a fully integrated point of sale that matches the pace, complexity, and specific needs of today's restaurants. Square for Restaurants is the company's first solution built to serve full-service restaurants, and brings the speed and ease of use for which Square is known to all types of larger restaurants, bars, and lounges. Square will also integrate Caviar directly into Square for Restaurants, marking the first time restaurants will be able to benefit from the simplicity of a combined first-party ordering platform and point of sale. Square for Restaurants is Square's most sophisticated software solution yet, enabling fast, accurate operations for both the front and back of house. It's cloud-based and customizable for however a restaurant is run, letting managers easily update menus and floor layouts remotely across multiple terminals and locations. New conversational ordering enables waitstaff to place orders quickly and intuitively, the way diners speak. Square for Restaurants also offers built-in employee management to enable staff time and performance tracking, tip splitting, fraud protection, and more. Businesses using Caviar and Square for Restaurants will also be able to see delivery and pickup orders directly within their point of sale - speeding up operations, reducing incorrect orders, eliminating the clutter of excess tablets, and giving restaurants an omnichannel view of their sales and diner base.

10:42 EDT Old Dominion strength continues amid takeover speculation - Shares of Old Dominion Freight Line (ODFL) have continued to move higher and built upside momentum after traders circulated chatter that Amazon (AMZN) may be interested in acquiring the shipper. The Fly, in fulfilling its mission of explaining stock movement, often comes across the many unconfirmed rumors being passed through trading desks and social media platforms. On the occasion that rumors or speculation appear on The Fly's news feed, it should be viewed not as giving credence to the conjecture, rather as simply highlighting its impact on the stock prices of the companies involved. The Fly has reached out to Old Dominion for comment. Shares of Old Dominion have risen $3.62, or 2.6%, to $141.55 in morning trading.

10:28 EDT Xerox says Icahn's bankruptcy warning is false, 'highly irresponsible' - Commenting on Carl Icahn's remarks to Nikkei Asian Review saying the proposed takeover by Fujifilm (FUJIY) could lead Xerox (XRX) into bankruptcy, a spokesperson for the latter told The Fly that, "Xerox has refrained from engaging with Icahn/Deason on their campaign against the company, even as they have targeted our management and Board with personal, unsubstantiated attacks. Mr. Icahn's most recent statement to the Nikkei Asia Review, however, cannot go unchecked. To suggest that a combination of Xerox and Fuji Xerox creates a risk of bankruptcy is false and highly irresponsible."

09:59 EDT FINRA sanctions Fifth Third $6M for variable annuity disclosure failures - The Financial Industry Regulatory Authority announced it has fined Fifth Third Securities $4M and required the company to pay approximately $2M in restitution to customers for "failing to appropriately consider and accurately describe the costs and benefits of variable annuity exchanges, and for recommending exchanges without a reasonable basis to believe the exchanges were suitable." Reference Link

09:47 EDT HNI Corporation raises quarterly dividend 4% to 29.5c per share - HNI Corporation announced its Board of Directors approved a 4% increase in its quarterly dividend to 29.5c per share on its common stock. The dividend will be payable on June 1, 2018, to shareholders of record at the close of business on May 18, 2018

09:40 EDT Dare Bioscience appoints John Fair as Chief Business Officer - Dare Bioscience announced it has appointed Mr. Fair to the newly created position of Chief Business Officer. Fair's role will include business and corporate development, partnering, and strategic planning. Fair was formerly the President and COO of Evofem.

09:28 EDT Community ISD selects Tyler Technologies solutions for student information - Tyler Technologies announced it has signed an agreement with the Community Independent School District in Nevada, Texas, for multiple Tyler solutions, including Munis enterprise resource planning, ExecuTime time and record keeping, and Tyler SIS and Tyler Pulse student information solutions. Tyler's solutions will manage student information for more than 2,400 students. Roughly 300 staff members, including 140 teachers, will use the solutions daily.

09:27 EDT Terreno Realty acquires Newark, New Jersey property for $6.3M - Terreno Realty Corporation acquired an industrial property located in Newark, New Jersey for a purchase price of approximately $6.3M on May 7, 2018 and made a senior secured loan of $55M on May 4, 2018. The property consists of an improved land parcel of approximately 3.5 acres at 85 Doremus Avenue, immediately adjacent to Exit 15E of the New Jersey Turnpike, which is 100% leased to one tenant. The estimated stabilized cap rate of the property is 5.1%. The senior secured loan has a term of two years, an interest rate of 8.0%, and is secured by a portfolio of nine improved land parcels primarily located in Newark and Kearny, New Jersey. One of the properties securing the loan may be put to Terreno Realty Corporation as partial payment of the loan. This property, and two others, may be called by Terreno Realty Corporation as partial or full payment of the loan.

09:26 EDT Gridsum receives proposal to acquire all outstanding shares from FutureX Capital - Gridsum Holding announced that its Board of Directors has received a preliminary non-binding proposal letter, dated May 8 from FutureX Capital, proposing to acquire all outstanding shares of the Company that the Proposing Buyer does not already own for $8.70 in cash per American depositary share in a going private transaction. A copy of the preliminary non-binding proposal letter is attached as Exhibit A to this press release. According to the proposal letter, the Proposing Buyer intends to fund the consideration payable in the Transaction primarily with equity capital from the Proposing Buyer and any additional members the Proposing Buyer accepts into a consortium of buyers, and possibly some debt capital. As the Proposing Buyer proceeds with its due diligence evaluation, it may consider inviting certain shareholders of the Company to participate in the Transaction. The Board cautions the Company's shareholders and others considering trading in its securities that the Board has just today received the preliminary non-binding proposal letter from the Proposing Buyer, and that no decisions have been made of any kind with respect to the Company's response to the Transaction.

09:23 EDT Nevsun Resources rejects Euro Sun-led non-binding unsolicited proposal - Nevsun Resources announced that its Board of Directors has unanimously rejected a non-binding unsolicited proposal led by Euro Sun Mining and also including Lundin Mining Corporation. The Non-Binding Unsolicited Proposal was dated April 30, 2018 and made public by Euro Sun and Lundin on May 7, 2018. Nevsun shareholders do not need to take any actions in respect of the Non-Binding Unsolicited Proposal. The Non-Binding Unsolicited Proposal is not an offer capable of being accepted by the Company's shareholders nor does it disclose whether such an offer is intended to be made. It is merely a non-binding proposal by Euro Sun. If and when a formal proposal is actually made by Euro Sun, Nevsun shareholders will have 105 days to respond. The Board's determination to reject this proposal was made after careful consideration and receipt of the recommendation of a special committee of its independent directors, and after consultation with financial and legal advisors. The rejection follows an extensive engagement with Euro Sun's bidding partner Lundin over a period of months with regard to a possible transaction. "The Nevsun Board of Directors is unanimous in its belief that the Non-Binding Unsolicited Proposal fails to reflect the strategic value of our asset base," said Ian Pearce, Chair of Nevsun's Board of Directors. "The Non-Binding Unsolicited Proposal also presents a problematic structure that could further undermine value to our shareholders." In summary, Nevsun's Board of Directors believes that the Non-Binding Unsolicited Proposal is not in the best interest of Nevsun or its stakeholders. Consistent with its fiduciary duties, the Board of Directors remains open to any transaction that is in the best interest of the Company.

09:17 EDT Gridsum trading halted, news pending

09:12 EDT Comdata renews partnership with Infintech - Comdata has renewed its partnership with Infintech, a leading B2B merchant services provider. Infintech provides a wide array of services to Comdata clients and their vendors to help improve their ability to accept virtual credit cards for payment. Enabling clients with a merchant services partner allows Comdata to maximize the number of vendors who accept Comdata virtual cards as a form of payment. Currently, there are approximately 800,000 vendors in Comdata's virtual card network. Maximizing vendor enrollment leads to more cost savings, fewer paper checks and more rebate revenue.

09:10 EDT Baxter raises quarterly dividend 19% to 19c per share - Baxter announced an approximately 19% increase in the company's quarterly dividend rate. This rate increase was made in connection with the declaration of a quarterly cash dividend of 19c per share of common stock up from 16c per share, payable on July 2, to stockholders of record as of June 1. The indicated annual dividend rate is now 76c per share of common stock.

09:08 EDT Red Lion Hotels appoints Nate Troup as Chief Accounting Officer - RLH announced the addition of Nate Troup as Senior Vice President, Chief Accounting Officer. He will lead a diverse reporting and accounting team, and act as a business partner to the CFO on all technical, reporting and operational accounting issues as the company continues to grow in both the domestic and international marketplaces. Troup is based in the company's headquarters in Denver. Troup joins RLH Corporation from Westmoreland Coal Company, or WCC, where he served as Vice President, Chief Accounting Officer.

09:07 EDT Bluegreen Vacations names Justin Taylor chief human resources officer - Bluegreen Vacations Corporation announced that it has named Justin Taylor as EVP, chief human resources officer. In this role, Taylor will oversee all aspects of Human Resources for its corporate, retail and resort operations, including talent acquisition, learning and development, rewards and talent management. Prior to joining Bluegreen, Taylor was SVP of Human Resources at Charming Charlie.

09:06 EDT Textainer sees "further growth and continued improvement" in performance - "We remain very optimistic as we look towards the summer months. In the build up to Lunar New Year, we leased out more than 100,000 TEU of new equipment. We were pleasantly surprised to see a continuation of bookings and limited container returns post Lunar New Year. Lease outs this year have been at attractive cash-on-cash yields with average maturities approaching 7 years," the company said. "We expect lease-out demand to increase further in the coming weeks. The IMF is projecting world GDP growth of 3.9%. Idle container ship capacity currently stands at a very low level and leading ports around the world continue to report strong throughput volume. The cash-on-cash returns on recent lease-out deals have improved compared to a few weeks ago. Manufacturing prices are expected to remain stable or strengthen in the coming weeks. With stable or increasing new container prices and limited sales inventory, resale prices should hold at the current high levels. We remain among the top buyers of new containers this year and are ideally positioned to take advantage of the increase in demand as we move into the traditional peak season. This quarter marked a good start to the year. We expect to see further growth and continued improvement in our financial performance."

09:04 EDT On The Fly: Pre-market Movers - HIGHER: 21st Century Fox (FOXA), up 2.5% after Reuters reported that Comcast (CMCSA) is talking to investment banks about getting bridge financing for an all-cash bid to displace Disney (DIS) on its $52B deal to purchase most of Fox's assets. According to the report, Comcast only plans to proceed with a bid for Fox if a federal judge allows AT&T's (T) planned acquisition of Time Warner (TWX) to proceed... Xcerra (XCRA), up 5% after agreeing to be acquired by Cohu (COHU) for a combination of cash and stock that values Xcerra at $13.92 per share. UP AFTER EARNINGS: Impinj (PI), up 18.5%... Valeant (VRX), up 8.5%... Crocs (CROX), up 7.5%... Mallinckrodt (MNK), up 7.5%... Dean Foods (DF), up 5%. DOWN AFTER EARNINGS: Nevro (NVRO), down 17%... Hertz (HTZ), down 8%... Zillow (ZG), down 9%... JD.com (JD), down 2.5%... Dish Network (DISH), down 1%. ALSO LOWER: Akcea Therapeutics (AKCA) and its controlling holder Ionis Pharmaceuticals (IONS) are moving lower after an FDA panel posted its briefing document ahead of Thursday's meeting to discuss Akcea's volanesorsen. Akcea shares are down 10% while Ionis shares are down 9.5% following the posting of the document to the FDA site.

09:02 EDT Booking Holdings names John Brown as CEO of Agoda - Booking Holdings announced the appointment of John Brown as CEO of Agoda, Booking Holding's Asia-based digital travel business, effective June 1st. Brown has served as Agoda's COO since 2014, when he was promoted from the role of Chief Product Officer. Current Agoda CEO, Robert Rosenstein, will become Chairman of Agoda and Special Advisor to the CEO of Booking Holdings, Glenn Fogel. In addition, current Chief Product Officer Omri Morgenshtern will become the company's COO. Brown joined Agoda in 2010 from the Boston Consulting Group, where he operated as a Principal in Boston and in Bangkok.

09:02 EDT Tile Shop partners with Laura Ashley - The Tile Shop announced it has partnered with Laura Ashley, the British lifestyle company and one of the world's leading brands, to become the exclusive retailer for the Laura Ashley tile and splashback collection in the U.S. market.

08:53 EDT Discovery sees Q2 U.S. advertising growth up in the low single-digits - Sees Q2 U.S. affiliate growth up in the low single-digits.

08:49 EDT Stantec selected for design of Hampstead Bypass, US 17 improvements - Division Three of the North Carolina Department of Transportation has selected international consulting design firm Stantec to provide analysis and engineering services for the Hampstead Bypass from I-140 to US 17 north of Hampstead. Corridor improvements to the existing US 17 in Hampstead are also included in Stantec's design services. These projects, totaling $250M in construction, will greatly improve north-south mobility along the North Carolina coastline north of Wilmington, and will address safety and congestion issues along US 17 in Hampstead. An accelerated design schedule for these projects should result in construction beginning no later than Fall 2020. The Bypass will consist of a 12 mile, four-lane median divided freeway with four interchanges, four overpasses, and a total of 16 bridges. The design will require avoidance and/or minimizing environmental impacts to wetlands, streams, and threatened plant and animal species. Safety improvements to five miles of US 17 in Hampstead will include a new median to control left turns, two-phase signalized u-turn bulbs, and sidewalks on each side. For further information, visit NCDOT's project website.

08:48 EDT RGS Energy awarded Solarize campaign in Brookfield, CT - RGS Energy has been selected by Solarize Brookfield, a community-based residential solar purchasing cooperative, to bring solar electricity to homes and businesses in the Town of Brookfield, Connecticut. Solarize Connecticut is a community-supported buying program that offers discounted group pricing, town-wide education and outreach support, high quality equipment at reduced pricing, and flexible financing to significantly reduce the cost of solar for Brookfield's more than 5,900 homes. The campaign and sign-up period begins May 22, 2018 and will run through September 25, 2018.

08:47 EDT Bellerophon reaches agreement with FDA on INOpulse Phase 2b trial design - Bellerophon Therapeutics announced that, following the receipt of minutes from a recent meeting with the FDA, the company has reached agreement with FDA on all key aspects of its planned Phase 2b study of INOpulse for the treatment of Pulmonary Hypertension Associated with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, or PH-COPD. The U.S. based Phase 2b study will be a double-blind, placebo-controlled, clinical trial in approximately 90 PH-COPD patients assessing the benefit of pulsed inhaled nitric oxide, or iNO, delivered by the INOpulse system. The primary end point will be six-minute walking distance, or 6MWD, and the study will also assess multiple secondary endpoints including right ventricular function.

08:36 EDT Discovery CEO: 'We are a cash flow machine' - Comments provided during Q1 earnings conference call.

08:36 EDT Nektar initiates Phase 1b clinical study of NKTR-358 - Nektar Therapeutics announced that it has commenced dosing patients with systemic lupus erythematosus in a Phase 1b clinical study evaluating NKTR-358, a first-in-class regulatory T cell stimulator. NKTR-358 selectively stimulates the proliferation and activation of regulatory T cells in the body in order to restore the body's self-tolerance mechanisms. Unlike immunosuppressant medicines that treat the symptoms of autoimmune disease by inhibiting the entire immune system which can cause unwanted side effects, NKTR-358 is designed to correct the underlying immune system dysfunction found in patients with immune disorders such as SLE. The Phase 1b study is a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study to evaluate the safety, tolerability, pharmacokinetics and immunological effects of multiple ascending doses of NKTR-358 in approximately 50 patients with systemic lupus erythematosus. The study will also evaluate the effects of NKTR-358 on disease activity in SLE patients.

08:34 EDT FDA secures government license for Simulations Plus' QSP modeling software - DILIsym Services, a Simulations Plus company announced that the FDA has secured an annual government license for its flagship QSP modeling software, DILIsym. DILIsym is the product of an ongoing public-private partnership that involves scientists from the pharmaceutical industry, academia and the FDA. The software incorporates properties determined in the laboratory for new drug candidates to predict whether they will be safe for the liver in patients. The use of modeling and simulation tools like DILIsym is being promoted by FDA Commissioner Scott Gottlieb to improve the efficiency of drug development.

08:33 EDT FDA secures government license for Simulations Plus' QSP modeling software - DILIsym Services, a Simulations Plus company announced that the FDA has secured an annual government license for its flagship QSP modeling software, DILIsym. DILIsym is the product of an ongoing public-private partnership that involves scientists from the pharmaceutical industry, academia and the FDA. The software incorporates properties determined in the laboratory for new drug candidates to predict whether they will be safe for the liver in patients. The use of modeling and simulation tools like DILIsym is being promoted by FDA Commissioner Scott Gottlieb to improve the efficiency of drug development.

08:32 EDT Oclaro reports cash and equivalents, and investments $304.4M at March 31 -

08:19 EDT Atossa Genetics regains Nasdaq compliance - Atossa Genetics announced that it has received notice from NASDAQ that Atossa has regained compliance with NASDAQ minimum closing bid price listing rule 5550(a)(2). Atossa has received notice from NASDAQ stating, in part, that the "Staff has determined that for the last 10 consecutive business days, from April 20 to May 3, the closing bid price of the company's common stock has been at $1.00 per share or greater. Accordingly, the company has regained compliance with Listing Rule 5550(a)(2) and this matter is now closed."

08:18 EDT China Information receives $1.6M cloud-based ad terminal order - China Information announced that it has entered into a contract for the sale of 5,000 CNIT cloud-based elevator ad terminals to be installed in office buildings and residential communities throughout Guiyang, the capital of Guizhou province of Southwest China. Signed with Guizhou Taoping IoT, the contract is expected to generate sales and service revenue to CNIT of about $1.6 million. Today's news is the twenty-ninth in a series of announcements since May of 2017 on CNIT's sales of its cloud-based ad terminals. Each sale is expected to generate recurring service and commission revenue from customers' use of the Company's Yunfa advertising distribution system and Taoping Net/ App ad screen sharing platform.

08:14 EDT Advantage Oil & Gas extends share repurchase program by six weeks - Advantage Oil & Gas announced that it has extended the expiry of its previously disclosed odd-lot share repurchase program by six weeks to June 19. Pursuant to the Odd Lot Program, Advantage has offered to buy back common shares from registered and beneficial shareholders of Advantage who own 99 or fewer common shares. The Odd Lot Program affords Odd Lot Holders the opportunity to sell all, but not less than all, of their common shares or to continue to maintain their current holdings. Advantage will purchase up to a maximum of Cdn. $4 million of its common shares under the Odd Lot Program. The Odd Lot Program is open to Odd Lot Holders of record as of March 20, 2018 and began on March 27.

08:13 EDT HubSpot to open new Latin America headquarters in Bogota, Colombia - HubSpot announced that it has chosen Bogota, Colombia as the location of its Latin America headquarters. The new office is scheduled to open in Q3 of 2018 and will be the eighth global location for HubSpot. HubSpot's Bogota office will initially be staffed with a sales team dedicated to growing relationships with customers and agency partners across Latin America and will work closely with the existing Latin America team based in the company's Cambridge, MA headquarters.

08:10 EDT TheStreet reports cash and equivalents $15.5M

08:07 EDT Veritiv expects growth in Packaging and Facility Solutions - The company said, "We are off to a good start in 2018. Looking ahead, we expect growth in Packaging and Facility Solutions to offset the secular challenges being experienced in our Print and Publishing segments, keeping us on target for our 2018 commitments."

08:06 EDT Valeant says total debt reduced by approximately $6.9B since end Q1 of 2016 - Valeant noted in earnings call presentation slides that the company repaid approximately $280M of debt with cash on hand in 1Q18. As of May 8, 2018, Valeant has reduced total debt by approximately $6.9B since the end of the first quarter of 2016, the slides state.

07:46 EDT Spark Therapeutics says three patients treated with Luxturna in Q1 - Spark Therapeutics said in its earnings release, "We are encouraged by the initial launch of LUXTURNA. We are pleased that three patients were treated with LUXTURNA in the first quarter as we remain focused on working closely with treatment centers and payers to support timely access to the product. Additionally, we progressed our pipeline of investigational gene therapies, including continuing to enroll our Phase 1/2 clinical trial of SPK-8011 in hemophilia A and advancing our preparations for a Phase 3 clinical trial of SPK-8011."

07:45 EDT TG Therapeutics says currently has capital to fund through mid-2019 - The company believes its cash, cash equivalents, investment securities, and interest receivable on hand as of March 31, inclusive of the proceeds raised subsequent to Q1, will be sufficient to fund the company's planned operations through mid-2019.

07:39 EDT Zynerba says has sufficient funds to operate well into 2019 - The company believes that the cash and cash equivalent position of $52.1M as of March 31 is sufficient to fund operations and capital requirements well into 2019.

07:37 EDT OncoSec and Merck enter in to clinical trial collaboration - OncoSec Medical (ONCS) has entered a clinical trial collaboration and supply agreement with Merck (MRK) to evaluate the combination of OncoSec's ImmunoPulse IL-12 with Merck's anti-PD-1 therapy KEYTRUDA in a Phase II clinical trial. The planned clinical trial will evaluate the safety and efficacy of the combination in patients with inoperable locally advanced or metastatic triple negative breast cancer who have previously failed at least one systemic chemotherapy or immunotherapy.

07:35 EDT Inspired Entertainment announces sports offering with Scientific Games - Inspired Entertainment (INSE) announced that its market leading Virtual Sports products will be deployed at retailer locations in Pennsylvania following a ground-breaking technology project with the Pennsylvania Lottery and Scientific Games (SGMS). Virtual Sports products will launch as part of an integration with the Pennsylvania Lottery's central gaming system provided by Scientific Games. Initially, Stock Car Racing and the new 1st Down Virtual Football will be offered. Scheduled events will be streamed into a mixture of retail venues and bars and taverns throughout Pennsylvania via two dedicated channels throughout the day. The product offering will be branded Xpress Sports by the Pennsylvania Lottery.

07:33 EDT Jones Lang LaSalle raises dividend 11% to 41c per share - The dividend payment will be made on June 15 to shareholders of record at the close of business on May 18.

07:25 EDT Valeant reports Q1 adjusted EBITDA $832M vs. $861M a year ago - A decrease of $29M primarily driven by the impact of the 2017 divestitures of $75M, offset by growth in the Salix business.

07:23 EDT Ascendis Pharma doses first subjects in Phase 1 trial of TransCon CNP - Ascendis Pharma announced that it has dosed the first subjects in a first-in-human phase 1 trial of TransCon CNP, a long-acting prodrug of C-type natriuretic peptide, or CNP, in development as a therapeutic option for achondroplasia and potentially for other fibroblast growth factor receptor, or FGFR,-related skeletal disorders. The double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled phase 1 trial will evaluate single ascending doses of TransCon CNP in healthy adult subjects to assess safety, tolerability and pharmacokinetics.

07:22 EDT Valeant CEO says making 'significant progress' in turnaround - "Our first-quarter 2018 results demonstrate that we are making significant progress in our turnaround. For the first time since 2015, the company delivered overall organic revenue growth that tracked above expectations and was driven by our Branded Rx and Bausch + Lomb/International segments," said Joseph C. Papa, chairman and CEO, Valeant. "As a result, we are raising our full-year revenue and Adjusted EBITDA guidance ranges to reflect our strong performance in the first quarter."

07:20 EDT Proteostasis forms Steering Committee to guide the Phase 3 progra for PTI-428 - Proteostasis Therapeutics announced the formation of an independent Steering Committee to guide the Phase 3 global clinical development program for PTI-428. This Steering Committee of leading CF experts will advise on the design and implementation of the Phase 3 global clinical program for PTI-428, the Company's novel cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator amplifier. PTI-428 is in development as an add-on therapy to approved CFTR modulator products such as Orkambi and Symdeko, and as part of PTI's proprietary once-a-day triple combination regimen that includes the potentiator PTI-808 and the corrector PTI-801.

07:16 EDT Aveo Oncology believes $27M in cash resources can fund operations into Q1 2019

07:12 EDT Atara Biotherapeutics expands T-cell immunotherapy collaboration with MSK - Atara Biotherapeutics announced the company has expanded its collaboration with Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, or MSK, to develop the next generation of genetically engineered chimeric antigen receptor T-cell, or CAR T, immunotherapies. This agreement is the next step in Atara's strategy to leverage the potential of the company's technology platform to develop genetically modified off-the-shelf, allogeneic T-cell immunotherapies to transform the lives of patients with serious medical conditions. Under the agreement, Atara will gain access to several of MSK's innovative enabling technologies, including a novel CAR T construct that Atara believes has physiologic T-cell activation properties, as well as methods for designing CAR T immunotherapies. Atara is also entering into an exclusive research collaboration for multiple targets with Michel Sadelain, M.D., Ph.D., Director, Center for Cell Engineering at MSK, to employ next-generation technologies in developing novel CAR T immunotherapies with applications in oncology, autoimmune and infectious diseases.

07:09 EDT Diplomat Pharmacy says in final stages of CEO search process - Diplomat Pharmacy announced that the Board is in the final stages of its search process for a permanent CEO and expects to name Diplomat's next CEO by the end of this week. The company also announced that Jeff Park has resigned voluntarily as Interim CEO, effective Friday, May 11, 2018, but will remain a director on Diplomat's Board. After Park steps down, Atul Kavthekar, CFO of Diplomat, will temporarily assume the additional responsibilities of the CEO until the appointment of the new CEO is effective. Ben Wolin, Chairman of the Board, said, "The Board has been encouraged by the high quality executives that we've met with throughout the search process, and we are now focused on an external candidate."

07:07 EDT Kamada announces Kedrab U.S. launch, shipments - Kedrion Biopharma and Kamada announced that Kedrab has been launched in the U.S. and initial shipments are now reaching healthcare practitioners across the country. Deliveries have been timed to meet growing demand for this product as the height of the 2018 spring/summer rabies season approaches. Kedrab, a human rabies immune globulin, or HRIG, received FDA approval for passive, transient post-exposure prophylaxis of rabies infection, when given immediately after contact with a rabid or possibly rabid animal and concurrent with the rabies vaccine. Prior to FDA approval of Kedrab, U.S. healthcare professionals had only two HRIG therapy options from which to choose to prevent the onset of rabies in someone who may have been exposed to the deadly virus. Kedrab, the newest entry into the $100M plus U.S. rabies market, represents another safe, effective treatment choice for healthcare professionals seeking an alternative to currently available HRIGs.

07:06 EDT Elaine Wynn sends letter to Wynn Resorts shareholders calling for Board change - Elaine P. Wynn, co-founder and the largest shareholder of Wynn Resorts released a letter on May 7, 2018 to all shareholders in connection with her WITHHOLD the vote campaign against Wynn legacy director candidate John J. Hagenbuch, who is up for re-election at Wynn's annual meeting of shareholders scheduled for Wednesday, May 16, 2018, in Las Vegas, Nevada. In the letter, Ms. Wynn notes that both well-respected, independent proxy advisory firms have recommended that shareholders vote WITHHOLD on Mr. Hagenbuch, citing numerous material governance failings and the risks associated with retaining the current longstanding legacy directors on the Wynn Resorts board.

07:04 EDT Alnylam announces preclinical data showing CNS delivery of RNA conjugates - Alnylam announced that the company has achieved delivery of novel small interfering RNA conjugates to the central nervous system, or CNS, and is planning to advance a pipeline of investigational RNAi therapeutics into clinical development. RNAi therapeutics have the potential to prevent or reverse neurodegenerative diseases caused by dominantly inherited genes, such as in Alzheimer's, Huntington's, Parkinson's, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, or ALS, where there are limited to no treatment options. The company plans to complete selection of its first CNS-targeted development candidate in 2018, and then expects to file its first investigational new drug, or IND, or IND equivalent in late 2019/early 2020, with the potential for one or more INDs per year thereafter. Alnylam's planned emerging pipeline of CNS-directed investigational RNAi therapeutics is in addition to the company's continued advancement of GalNAc-conjugated siRNAs toward a broad range of liver-expressed disease targets for the company's Genetic Medicine, Cardiometabolic Disease, and Hepatic Infectious Disease Strategic Therapeutic Areas, or STArs.

07:01 EDT CollPlant files U.S. patent application for photocurable dermal fillers - CollPlant announced that it has filed a provisional patent application with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office for photocurable dermal fillers comprised of rhCollagen and hyaluronic acid, for the aesthetics market.

06:59 EDT Aecom sees FY18 CapEx $110M, free cash flow $600M-$800M

06:57 EDT Aecom plans to sell and exit certain non-core Oil & Gas operations - Following management's strategic review of the Company's risk profile and due to unfavorable market conditions, the Company will no longer pursue fixed-price combined-cycle gas power plant EPC projects. Importantly, construction of Alliant's Riverside combined-cycle gas plant, AECOM's only such project currently underway, is expected to be completed profitably and on schedule in 2019. The Company also intends to sell and exit certain non-core Oil & Gas operations.

06:56 EDT Aecom cuts FY18 adjusted EBITDA view to $880M from $910M - The company is reducing its adjusted EBITDA guidance from $910M to $880M, primarily from the removal of two combined cycle gas power plant EPC projects from backlog that were expected to positively contribute to earnings this year.

06:50 EDT US Foods CEO says overall industry outlook 'remains strong' - "During the first quarter we saw solid growth with independent restaurants and expanded Gross profit per case by $0.19, our highest quarterly per case growth rate in recent history. Execution on our gross profit and operating expense initiatives drove 4.2% Adjusted EBITDA growth despite headwinds from weather and inbound freight costs," said Chairman and CEO Pietro Satriano. "Our outlook for independent restaurants and the overall industry remains strong and we are well positioned to deliver on another successful year."

06:47 EDT AstraZeneca, Merck announce EMA approves LYNPARZA tablets - AstraZeneca (AZN) and Merck (MRK) announced that the European Medicines Agency has approved LYNPARZA tablets for use as a maintenance therapy for patients with platinum-sensitive relapsed high-grade, epithelial ovarian, fallopian tube or primary peritoneal cancer who are in complete response or partial response to platinum-based chemotherapy, regardless of BRCA status.

06:43 EDT AstraZeneca reports EU approval for Lynparza for certain ovarian cancers - AstraZeneca (AZN) and Merck (MRK) announced that the European Medicines Agency has approved Lynparza tablets 300mg twice daily for use as a maintenance therapy for patients with platinum-sensitive relapsed high-grade, epithelial ovarian, fallopian tube, or primary peritoneal cancer who are in complete response or partial response to platinum-based chemotherapy, regardless of BRCA status. Lynparza, the first PARP inhibitor approved, was initially licensed in Europe as a capsule formulation for women with BRCA-mutated platinum-sensitive relapsed ovarian cancer. The new tablet formulation, which reduces dosing from eight capsules twice daily to two tablets twice daily, will now be available for a broader group of women with platinum-sensitive relapsed ovarian cancer. Lynparza tablets were also recently submitted to the EMA for approval in patients with BRCA-mutated, HER2-negative metastatic breast cancer based upon the successful Phase III OlympiAD trial.

06:37 EDT Denbury Resources reaffism FY18 capital budget view $300M-$325M - The capital budget consists of approximately $270M for tertiary and non-tertiary field costs and CO2 supply, plus approximately $45M of estimated capitalized costs. Of this combined capital expenditure amount, approximately $48M or 15%, has been incurred through the Q1. Denbury's estimated 2018 production is also unchanged from the previously disclosed range of 60,000-64,000 BOE/d.

06:35 EDT Alibaba buys Rocket Internet's ecommerce platform Daraz - Rocket Internet (RCKZF) announced that the leading Chinese eCommerce company Alibaba Group (BABA) acquired the entire share capital of South Asian eCommerce platform Daraz Group for an undisclosed amount. Daraz was founded in Pakistan in 2012 and has since grown into the most popular online shopping destination in the country. Daraz also operates online marketplaces in Bangladesh, Myanmar, Sri Lanka and Nepal. The five South Asian markets in which Daraz is operating have a combined population of over 460 million, 60% of which are under the age of 35. Daraz will continue to operate under the same brand following the transaction. Reference Link

06:33 EDT Merrimack sees sufficient cash to fund planned operations into 2019 - Merrimack continues to believe that its cash and cash equivalents and marketable securities of $76.3M as of March 31 and certain potential net milestone payments anticipated from Shire will be sufficient to fund its planned operations into the second half of 2019.

06:29 EDT Forterra sees Q2 adjusted EBITDA $50M-$58M - Sees Q2 net income $0M-$6M. Q2 guidance range incorporates the following key assumptions: Continued gradual year over year improvement in Drainage, including expected net sales growth on the benefit of higher shipments and higher average selling prices mitigating the impact of continued cost inflation. Lower expected EBITDA, EBITDA margin, Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA margin in Water, as compared to the same quarter last year, as a result of a significant increase in scrap costs not yet fully offset by higher average selling prices. Corporate costs of $15M-$16M, consistent with the Q1.

06:22 EDT BioCryst reports cash and equivalents $137.5M at March 31 - Cash, cash equivalents and investments totaled $137.5M at March 31 and reflect a decrease from $159.0M at December 31, 2017. Net operating cash use for the Q1 was $22.9M.

06:20 EDT DBV Technologies says seven abstracts accepted for EAACI meeting - DBV Technologies announced that seven abstracts, including three clinical data presentations from Phase III and Phase II studies of Viaskin Peanut, were accepted for oral and poster presentation at the 2018 European Academy of Allergy and Clinical Immunology Annual Meeting in Munich, Germany, May 26-30, 2018. In addition to data from Viaskin Peanut, detailed results from the Miles Phase II trial, a dose-finding trial of Viaskin Milk, will be presented on Sunday, May 27. Topline results from Miles, which evaluated the safety and efficacy of three dose regimens of Viaskin Milk in children and adolescents with IgE-mediated cow's milk protein allergy, were previously announced in February 2018. Viaskin Milk is the company's second product candidate based on its proprietary epicutaneous immunotherapy platform, which aims to deliver biologically active compounds to the immune system through the skin.

06:15 EDT Primoris announces $5M share repurchase program - The share repurchase program expires December 31, 2018.

06:09 EDT Jeld-Wen raises FY18 revenue increase view 17%-19% from 10%-13% - The outlook has been updated to reflect the partial year contribution of the recent ABS acquisition and updated foreign exchange rates, while the assumption for core revenue growth remains unchanged at approximately 3%. Reaffirms FY18 adjusted EBITDA view $505M-$535M, compared to 2017 adjusted EBITDA of $437.6M. The outlook for adjusted EBITDA now reflects the partial year contribution of the recent ABS acquisition, offset by anticipated inflation in materials and freight in the core business and increased operational investments in core growth. The midpoint of the updated outlook assumes core adjusted EBITDA margin improvement of approximately 80 basis points. This improvement in core adjusted EBITDA margins is expected to be partially offset by the impact of recent acquisitions and the impact of foreign exchange. Sees FY18 capital expenditures $100M-$120M compared to 2017 capital expenditures of $63.M

05:39 EDT Atkore announces CEO retirement plan, William Waltz named COO and successor - Atkore announced that John Williamson, President and CEO, will retire at the end of Atkore's fiscal year on September 30, 2018. The Atkore board approved his retirement and a leadership succession plan under which, effective immediately, William Waltz is appointed Atkore President and COO, reporting to Williamson. Waltz will succeed Williamson as Atkore President and CEO upon his retirement. Waltz is expected to be appointed to the board at the time of succession. Most recently, Waltz served as the company's Vice President and Group President-Electrical Raceway, a position he continues to hold during this transition.

05:33 EDT Cohu to acquire Xcerra in cash, stock deal valued around $796M - Cohu (COHU) and Xcerra (XCRA) announced they have entered into a definitive merger agreement pursuant to which Cohu will acquire Xcerra for a combination of cash and stock. The acquisition is expected to make Cohu a global leader in semiconductor test, with combined sales for Cohu and Xcerra in excess of $800M for the last twelve months. Upon the closing of the transaction, Xcerra shareholders will be entitled to receive $9.00 in cash and 0.2109 of a share of Cohu common stock, subject to the terms of the definitive agreement. Based on the closing price of Cohu common stock as of May 7, 2018, the transaction values Xcerra at $13.92 per share, or approximately $796M in equity value, with a total enterprise value of approximately $627M, after excluding Xcerra's cash and marketable securities net of the debt on its balance sheet as of January 31, 2018. The transaction value represents a premium of 8.4% to Xcerra's closing price on May 7, 2018, and a premium of 15.4% to Xcerra's 30-day average closing price. The transaction is expected to be immediately accretive to non-GAAP earnings per share and generate over $20M of annual run-rate cost synergies within 2 years of closing, excluding stock-based compensation and other charges. Xcerra shareholders are expected to own approximately 30% of the combined company upon the closing of the transaction. The transaction has been unanimously approved by the boards of both companies. The transaction is expected to close in the second half of calendar year 2018, subject to approval by both companies' respective shareholders, antitrust regulatory approvals and other customary closing conditions.

05:25 EDT Advanced Semiconductor reports April revenue up 14% to $771M vs. $675M last year - Reports April ATM net revenue up 4.6% to $430M vs. $411M last year.

05:20 EDT Takeda reaches agreement to acquire Shire for $62B in cash and stock - Takeda Pharmaceutical (TKPYY) and Shire (SHPG) announced that they have reached agreement on the terms of a recommended offer pursuant to which Takeda will acquire the entire issued and to be issued ordinary share capital of Shire. Under the terms of the acquisition, each Shire shareholder will be entitled to receive $30.33 in cash for each Shire share and either 0.839 new Takeda shares or 1.678 Takeda ADSs. The transaction has been approved by both companies' boards of directors, and is expected to close in the first half of calendar year 2019. Upon the closing of the transaction, Takeda shareholders will own approximately 50% of the combined group. "With leading market positions in prioritized therapeutic areas, an attractive geographic footprint, greater scale and efficiencies, and an even more productive R&D engine, the combined group will be better positioned to deliver highly-innovative medicines and transformative care providing better health and a brighter future for patients around the world," Takeda said. Takeda has entered into a bridge facility agreement of $30.85B with, among others, J.P. Morgan Chase Bank, Sumitomo Mitsui Banking and MUFG Bank, part of the proceeds of which will be used to fund the cash consideration payable to Shire shareholders in connection with the acquisition. It is currently contemplated that, prior to completion, the commitments under the bridge facility agreement will be reduced or refinanced with a combination of long-term debt, hybrid capital and available cash resources.