Stockwinners Market Radar for November 19, 2018 - Earnings, Upgrades downgrades, option trades, Best Stock Advisory Service

22:44 EDT Colfax Community Health signs agreement to sell four hospitals - Community Health Systems announced that subsidiaries of the Company have signed a definitive agreement to sell four South Carolina hospitals - 82-bed Chester Regional Medical Center in Chester, 225-bed Springs Memorial Hospital in Lancaster, 396-bed Carolinas Hospital System in Florence, and 124-bed Carolinas Hospital System - Marion in Mullins - along with related businesses, including physician clinic operations and outpatient services, to the Medical University Hospital Authority in Charleston, S.C. As part of the transaction, Medical University Hospital Authority will assume the long-term lease and operations of Chester Regional Medical Center. The transfer of the lease is subject to the consent of the Chester County Hospital Board of Chester County, South Carolina. The transaction is expected to close in the first quarter of 2019, subject to customary regulatory approvals and closing conditions.

19:55 EDT ConocoPhillips credit rating upgraded to A from A- with Stable outlook

18:46 EDT Sandoz, Pear announce launch of reSET for patients with SUD - Sandoz, a Novartis division, and Pear Therapeutics, Inc., announced the commercial launch of reSET for patients with Substance Use Disorder. reSET, the first and only FDA-authorized prescription digital therapeutic, is immediately available. Study results from a multicenter, randomized clinical trial showed that reSET, when used with outpatient therapy and contingency management, significantly improved abstinence in substances of abuse and increased retention as compared to outpatient therapy alone. The reSET therapeutic content was validated in a randomized clinical trial through the National Institute of Drug Abuse Clinical Trial Network. reSET is a 12-week prescription digital therapeutic to be used in conjunction with outpatient clinician-delivered care. reSET offers interactive treatment modules that deliver cognitive behavioral therapy and fluency training to reinforce proficiency. Within the clinician dashboard, clinicians can follow patient-reported substance use, cravings, and triggers to facilitate transparency and deeper interaction between patients and clinicians at face-to-face meetings.

18:07 EDT Amazon Prime members can see 'Aquaman' a week early - Amazon (AMZN) said that it Prime members are invited to an exclusive early showing of Warner Bros. Pictures' (T) upcoming film "Aquaman." The movie is set for release in the U.S. on December 21, but Prime members can get tickets for an early showing on December 15. Reference Link

18:01 EDT Valvoline raises quarterly dividend to 10.6c from 7.45c per share - Valvoline announced that its board of directors increased the quarterly cash dividend on the company's common stock by more than 40% to 10.6c per share. The dividend will be payable on Dec. 17, 2018, to shareholders of record as of the close of business on Nov. 30, 2018.

17:50 EDT Jazz Pharmaceuticals director Seamus Mulligan buys $7.2M in common stock - In a regulatory filing, Jazz Pharmaceuticals disclosed that the CEO of Jazz Pharmaceuticals' Adapt Pharma unit bought 50K shares of its common stock in a transaction valued around $7.2M.

17:47 EDT New York Times CEO sells 40,000 common shares - In a regulatory filing, New York Times president and CEO Mark Thompson disclosed the sale of 40,000 common shares of the company at a price of $25.899 per share.

17:38 EDT FirstEnergy provides winter storm update - FirstEnergy utilities continue work to complete service restoration for customers who lost power after the recent ice and snow storm. The company's Ohio Edison, Penn Power and West Penn Power utilities in eastern Ohio and western Pennsylvania were hit hardest by the storm. More than 274,000 customers lost power during the storm, and as of 5:00 p.m. Monday, November 19, about 4,400 remain without service.

17:29 EDT TriNet names Samantha Wellington chief legal officer - TriNet announced the appointment of Samantha Wellington as Senior Vice President, Chief Legal Officer and Secretary. Wellington assumes her new role effective immediately. Reporting directly to TriNet President and CEO Burton M. Goldfield, Wellington leads TriNet's team of legal and compliance experts who serve TriNet and its more-than-16,000 SMB clients in commercial, strategic, compliance and immigration matters, as well as with employee benefits. She joined TriNet in 2016 as Vice President and Associate General Counsel and has since been instrumental to TriNet in the areas of legal strategy development, diversity and inclusion, workplace benefits, gender gap mitigation and the shared economy.

17:19 EDT Carl Icahn reports 9.9% stake in Energen

17:17 EDT Northrop Grumman awarded $489.92M Air Force contract - Northrop Grumman has been awarded a $489.92M definitization and increase in scope fixed-price-incentive-fee and cost-plus-incentive-fee contract for the Japan Global Hawk program. The contract provides for: three RQ-4 Global Hawk Block 30i air vehicles each containing an enhanced integrated sensor suite payload, two ground control elements, spares and support equipment, system engineering and program management tasks required to execute, manage, control, and report on all program activities, and a site survey. Work will be performed in San Diego and is expected to be completed by September 1, 2022. This contract involves foreign military sales, or FMS, to Japan and is the result of a sole-source acquisition. This action will increase funding by $294.54M for a total of $425.01M in FMS funding. FMS funding in the amount of $64.91M will be awarded as priced options to be exercised as soon as Japan releases the remaining funds. Air Force Life Cycle Management Center is the contracting activity.

17:15 EDT Xylem signs MOU with Ethiopia government on water security - Xylem has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Ethiopia's Ministry of Water, Irrigation and Energy for future cooperation to help advance water security in Ethiopia. The MoU was signed at an event in Ethiopia attended by Ethiopia's Minister of Water, Irrigation and Energy His Excellency Dr. Eng. Seleshi Bekele; State Minister Water Supply and Sanitation Dr. Negash Wagesho; Xylem President and CEO Patrick Decker; and a representative of the U.S. Embassy in Ethiopia. H.E. Dr. Eng Seleshi Bekele noted that the present MoU signed between Xylem and MoWIE creates an enabling platform to improve water supply and sanitation service delivery and ensure scheme sustainability. He also stressed that the Ethiopian water supply and sanitation sector benefit from the broad technical and technological solutions Xylem has been providing.

17:11 EDT Carbonite announces $50M stock repurchase program - Carbonite announced that its Board of Directors approved a share repurchase program authorizing the purchase of up to $50 million of the Company's common stock. The Company intends to fund repurchases under this share repurchase program from cash on hand and cash generated from operations.

17:03 EDT Service Corp. exec Sangalis sells 23,617 common shares - In a regulatory filing, Service Corp. senior VP and General Counsel Gregory T. Sangalis disclosed the sale of 23,617 common shares of the company at a price of $44.905 per share.

16:48 EDT Pure Storage up 6.4% after Q3 results beat estimates, FY19 guidance raised - In after-hours trading, shares are up 6.4% to $18.65.

16:38 EDT Prudential Bancorp announces third stock repurchase program for 900,000 shares - Prudential Bancorp announced its board approved the company's third stock repurchase program covering up to 900,000 shares or approximately 10% of its issued and outstanding shares of common stock. The company has substantially completed its second repurchase program, repurchasing 832,065 shares of the 850,000 shares covered by the program at an average cost of $15.46. The shares covered by the third repurchase program may be purchased in the open market or in privately negotiated transactions from time to time depending upon market conditions and other factors over a one-year period or such longer period of time as may be necessary to complete such repurchases. Repurchases are expected to commence promptly following the later of announcement of the company's operating results for the fiscal year ended September 30 or the completion of the company's current repurchase program.

16:35 EDT National Fuel CIO Wegrzyn to retire - National Fuel Gas Company announced that Ann M. Wegrzyn, Chief Information Officer of National Fuel Gas Company, has indicated her intention to retire, effective Feb. 1, 2019, after more than 33 years of service. Joining National Fuel to succeed Ann, will be Martin A. Krebs. Krebs has 25 years of information technology experience spanning multiple companies, and has been a Chief Information Officer for more than 12 years. Most recently, Krebs was the Chief Information Officer and Chief Information Security Officer of Fidelis Care.

16:34 EDT Denali Therapeutics reports 'positive' results from Phase 1 DNL747 study - Denali Therapeutics (DNLI) announced positive results from its Phase 1 healthy volunteer study of DNL747, a brain penetrant small molecule inhibitor of receptor-interacting serine/threonine-protein kinase 1. RIPK1 is a critical signaling protein in the tumor necrosis factor receptor pathway and is a regulator of inflammation and cell death in tissues throughout the body. In a randomized, double blind, placebo-controlled, oral dose study in 56 healthy subjects who received either single or multiple ascending doses or placebo, DNL747 achieved its safety, pharmacokinetic, and pharmacodynamic objectives. DNL747 was generally well tolerated with no serious adverse events at doses that achieved high levels of brain exposure and robust target engagement as measured by a blood-based biomarker of RIPK1 activity. Denali recently announced a broad collaboration with Sanofi (SNY) on the development of multiple RIPK1 inhibitor molecules, including DNL747, to study their potential to treat a range of neurological and systemic inflammatory diseases.

16:33 EDT Hilton Grand Vacations names Gordon Gurnik as COO - Hilton Grand Vacations announces the appointment of Gordon Gurnik as executive vice president and COO. Gurnik will be responsible for leading global delivery and execution of enterprise-wide business operations; shared services; new product development; sales and marketing in Asia; and information technology services. He will report directly to Mark Wang, president and CEO, effective Dec. 3, 2018. Gurnik has more than 30 years of experience in the vacation ownership and exchange businesses. Most recently, he served as president of RCI, a worldwide leader in vacation exchange and travel services and the largest exchange network in the world.

16:32 EDT L Brands to cut annual dividend to $1.20 from $2.40 - After extensive review, the board plans to reduce the company's annual ordinary dividend to $1.20 from $2.40 currently, beginning with the quarterly dividend to be paid in March 2019. The planned reduction will result in a dividend payout ratio that is more consistent with the company's past practice, and a dividend yield in line with relevant comparisons. The approximately $325 million in cash made available from the dividend reduction will be utilized primarily to contribute to the deleveraging of the company's balance sheet over time. The Board was assisted in its assessment by its financial advisors BridgePark Advisors and PJT Partners.

16:30 EDT Nuance trading resumes

16:25 EDT NB Public Equity reports 9.9% passive stake in Novelion Therapeutics

16:20 EDT Thomson Reuters receives shareholder approval for return of capital transaction - Thomson Reuters announced that its shareholders approved a plan of arrangement to implement the company's proposed return of capital transaction at a special meeting held in Toronto. A final report on voting results will be filed by the company with the Canadian securities regulatory authorities and furnished to the U.S. SEC. The return of capital transaction is one of several ways that the company is returning $10B of proceeds from its recently closed Financial & Risk transaction to its shareholders. The return of capital transaction consists of a distribution of $4.45 in cash per common share (approximately $2.5B in the aggregate) and a consolidation of the company's outstanding common shares (or reverse stock split) on a basis that is proportional to the cash distribution.

16:18 EDT QCR Holdings says Douglas Hultquist will retire as CEO, Helling to succeed - QCR Holdings announced that, effective at the annual stockholders meeting on May 23, 2019, Douglas M. Hultquist will retire from the company's board of directors and from his roles as President and CEO. Leadership will transition upon Mr. Hultquist's retirement to current executive leaders and Company directors, Larry J. Helling and Todd A. Gipple. Mr. Helling will become CEO of the company and Mr. Gipple will become President.

16:17 EDT Jack in the Box sees FY19 SSS flat to up 2%. - Sees FY19 adjusted EBITDA $260M-$270M. Sees approximately 25 to 35 new restaurants opening system-wide.

16:13 EDT Jack in the Box authorizes additional $60M stock buyback program - The company repurchased approximately 1.6 million shares of its common stock in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2018 at an average price of $87.78 per share for an aggregate cost of $140.0 million. During fiscal year 2018, the company repurchased approximately 3.9 million shares at an average price of $86.86 per share for an aggregate cost of $340.0 million. This leaves approximately $41.0 million remaining under a stock-buyback program authorized by its Board of Directors that expires in November 2019. On November 15, 2018, the Jack in the Box board of directors authorized an additional $60M stock-buyback program that also expires in November 2019.

16:13 EDT GW Pharmaceuticals to present data on Epidiolex at AES - GW Pharmaceuticals along with its U.S. subsidiary Greenwich Biosciences, announced that results from completed Phase 3 trials of EPIDIOLEX oral solution CV, as well as new pre-clinical and Phase 1 cannabinoid research, will be presented at the American Epilepsy Society Annual Meeting, November 30-December 4, 2018, in New Orleans, Louisiana. EPIDIOLEX is FDA-approved and available by prescription in the U.S. for the treatment of seizures associated with Lennox-Gastaut syndrome or Dravet syndrome in patients two years of age and older. At AES, scientific posters will include first-time presentations of data from the EPIDIOLEX Phase 3 pivotal trials in LGS and Dravet syndrome; reports from the Expanded Access Program; presentation of Phase 1 and 2 studies and collaborative pre-clinical research. GW/Greenwich will also host an exhibit booth as well as an Innovation Pavilion where AES attendees can learn about the Company's CBD growing and manufacturing processes through a virtual tour of its facilities in the United Kingdom. The Pavilion will also include presentations about the EPIDIOLEX clinical trial program.

16:11 EDT Pure Storage launches new cloud offerings running on Amazon Web Services - Pure Storage (PSTG) announced Pure Storage Cloud Data Services, a suite of new cloud offerings that run on Amazon Web Services (AMZN). With these new products, customers can invest in a single storage architecture that unifies application deployments on-premises and on the cloud to flexibly turn data into value virtually anywhere.

16:09 EDT Metaswitch files antitrust suit against Ribbon Communications - Metaswitch Networks announced that it has filed an antitrust action that "could help ensure that tens of millions of Americans have access to cost effective and reliable upgrades of their fixed-line telephone networks." The wide-ranging lawsuit was brought in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York against Ribbon Communications, Inc. (RBBN). JP Morgan (JPM) directly or indirectly owns approximately 48% of the outstanding shares of Ribbon and has the right to designate five of Ribbon's eight current directors according to Ribbon's most recent proxy filing. Current Ribbon President, Chief Executive Officer and director, Franklin "Fritz" Hobbs, currently serves as a Senior Advisor at One Equity Partners, JPM's former private equity unit.

16:07 EDT Urban Outfitters reports Q3 retail SSS up 8% - The company states: "Comparable Retail segment net sales increased 8%, driven by strong, double-digit growth in the digital channel and positive retail store sales. By brand, comparable Retail segment net sales increased 12% at Free People, 8% at the Anthropologie Group and 7% at Urban Outfitters. Wholesale segment net sales increased 12%."

16:07 EDT Rubicon announces $3M stock repurchase plan - Rubicon Technology announced that its Board of Directors has authorized a stock repurchase plan to buy up to $3M of its common stock from time to time through open market and private transactions. The timing, price and volume of repurchases will be based upon market conditions, relevant securities laws and other factors. The stock repurchase plan expires on November 19, 2021 and may be terminated at any time.

16:04 EDT Steadfast Capital reports 5.2% passive stake in Pivotal Software

16:00 EDT Nuance trading halted, news pending

15:51 EDT Tesla CEO says 'will inquire' about working with Mercedes on electric van - In reply to a Twitter thread earlier today regarding if Tesla (TSLA) plans to make a van, Tesla CEO Elon Musk stated: "Maybe interesting to work with Daimler/Mercedes on an electric Sprinter. That's a great van. We will inquire." Reference Link

14:43 EDT CarVal discloses 8.03% passive stake in Berry Petroleum

13:40 EDT Microsoft acquires FSLogix to enhance the Office 365 virtualization experience - Microsoft said in a blog posting: "The way Microsoft 365 enables customers to shift to a modern desktop experience puts it at the heart of workplace transformation. A modern desktop with Windows 10 and Office 365 not only offers the most productive and most secure computing experience, it also saves IT time and money, and allows for a focus on driving business results. For many companies, their specific needs require a modern desktop be virtualized. To help extend our virtualization capabilities and provide an even richer experience for Microsoft 365 customers, we are excited to announce the acquisition of FSLogix. FSLogix is a next-generation app-provisioning platform that reduces the resources, time and labor required to support virtualization. From small businesses to very large global enterprises across numerous industries, FSLogix solutions enhance customer experience and productivity, while reducing support requirements for IT departments." Reference Link

13:03 EDT Tesaro rallies after canceling appearance at Evercore conference - Shares of Tesaro are moving higher after contacts confirmed the company has cancelled its appearance at next week's Evercore ISI HealthconX conference. The stock in afternoon trading is up 8%, or $2.86, to $37.82. Bloomberg on Friday reported that Tesaro is exploring a sale after receiving buyout interest. Cantor Fitzgerald analyst Alethia Young earlier today said she believes Tesaro could be valued at $89-$97 per share in a takeout scenario.

12:34 EDT Societe Generale agrees to pay $1.34B for violations of U.S. sanctions - The Federal Reserve Board announced it has fined Societe Generale $81.3M for the firm's :unsafe and unsound practices" primarily related to violations of U.S. sanctions against Cuba. The Federal Reserve fined Societe Generale for having insufficient policies and procedures to ensure that the activities conducted at its offices outside of the United States complied with U.S. sanctions laws. The Federal Reserve's order requires Societe Generale to implement an enhanced program to ensure global compliance with U.S. sanctions administered by the U.S. Department of Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control. The Federal Reserve's order also prohibits Societe Generale from re-employing the individuals involved in the past actions or retaining them as consultants or contractors, and will require the firm to fully cooperate, and provide substantial assistance, in any ongoing investigations related to the individuals involved in the misconduct in this case. The Federal Reserve's order is being taken in conjunction with actions by the U.S. Department of Justice, the U.S. Department of Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control, the New York County District Attorney's Office, and the New York Department of Financial Services for violations of U.S. sanctions requirements and various New York state laws. The penalties issued by all of the agencies total $1.34B.

12:17 EDT L'Oreal appoints of Christophe Babule to succeed Christian Mulliez as CFO - L'Oreal announces Christophe Babule is appointed Executive Vice-President, Chief Financial Officer and member of L'Oreal's Executive Committee as of mid-February 2019. He succeeds Christian Mulliez, who after 17 years as Executive Vice-President, Chief Financial Officer, and 36 years in the Group, has expressed his desire to take a step back from his professional activity for personal reasons, the company reported. Christian Mulliez will accompany Christophe Babule in his new role until he leaves L'Oreal end-April 2019, and will handover his operational responsibilities to Christophe Babule after the annual financial analysts meeting in February 2019.

12:00 EDT Colfax falls -15.9% - Colfax is down -15.9%, or -$4.46 to $23.52.

12:00 EDT Zayo Group rises 9.8% - Zayo Group is up 9.8%, or $2.32 to $25.99.

12:00 EDT VelocityShares 3x Long Natural Gas ETN rises 16.1% - VelocityShares 3x Long Natural Gas ETN is up 16.1%, or $24.35 to $175.52.

11:33 EDT Keysight, SK Telecom sign MoU to accelerate 5G network design and deployment - Keysight Technologies (KEYS)announced that it has signed a Memorandum of Understanding, MoU,with SK Telecom (SKM) to collaborate on 5G network design development and testing technology. The MoU covers development of 5G device performance validation technology, test cases and processes to help verify that new products perform as intended on the mobile operator's network. The two companies will also collaborate on Massive MIMO and beamforming to achieve higher data speeds and lower latencies, which many future 5G applications will require. Mobile operators deploying 5G technology on mmWave frequencies need to address challenges around higher radio propagation losses as well as complex fading conditions. Keysight's expertise in mmWave combined with its comprehensive suite of network and channel emulation solutions supports mobile operators targeting early deployments of 5G networks. "We are excited to extend our collaboration with SK Telecom to support their early deployments of 5G on mmWave frequencies," stated Kailash Narayanan, vice president and general manager of Wireless Devices and Operators at Keysight Technologies. "Keysight's early engagements with market leaders, contributions to the 3GPP standardization development and scalable 5G test and measurement solutions is enabling a connected mobile ecosystem to accelerate 5G deployment."

10:42 EDT InflaRx NV trading halted, volatility trading pause

10:07 EDT Northwest Bio reports updated interim data from Phase 3 trial of DCVax-L - Northwest Biotherapeutics announced that updated blinded interim data from the Phase 3 trial of DCVax-L for Glioblastoma brain cancer were presented by Dr. Linda Liau at the 23rd Annual Meeting of the Society for Neuro-Oncology. The updated data through October 2018 have continued to mature since the prior interim data collection in March 2017, and indicate "encouraging patient survival," the company stated. The CEO of NWBio commented: "We are excited to see how the data are maturing, and we are grateful to our Scientific Advisory Board for their strong advice not to unblind the trial too early. Had we unblinded earlier, the opportunity to see the fuller extent of patient survival would have been lost, and the potential would never have been known. Until we reach data lock, the data will continue to mature. As we have cautioned before, the data may get either better or worse as they further mature. Also, the interim data are blinded aggregate data, and we do not know the breakdown between the treatment arm and the control arm of the trial. We believe it is now appropriate for the Company to move forward with the several stages of work that are needed to reach completion of this trial program, despite the fact that there are good arguments for allowing the data to mature even further. The upcoming stages include finalizing the Statistical Analysis Plan, conducting the final data collection, data validation and data lock, and then unblinding and analyzing the data."

10:00 EDT PG&E falls -8.7% - PG&E is down -8.7%, or -$2.13 to $22.27.

10:00 EDT Spectrum Brands falls -16.0% - Spectrum Brands is down -16.0%, or -$9.47 to $49.88.

10:00 EDT Resolute Energy rises 10.7% - Resolute Energy is up 10.7%, or $3.27 to $33.77.

09:58 EDT NIO rallies after Citron puts $12 short-term target on shares - Shares of NIO Inc. (NIO) are moving higher after Citron Research, best known for its short calls, put a $12 short-term target on the shares. The stock in early trading is up 7%, or 49c, to $7.68. "After years of battling the 'Tesla Story' Citron learned to recognize the opportunities created by total industry disruption and to disregard today's numbers when considering the value of the disruptor. We also learned not to be short a disruptor with a cult-like following and a large outstanding short interest alongside a patient investor base. With that in mind, we introduce NIO, and explain the real story that Wall St. has totally missed. Just like Tesla was not a simple U.S. electric car story, NIO is so much more than just a Chinese electric car story. NIO's visionary management is revolutionizing the high-end auto industry in China," Citon says in a report posted on its website. The firm concludes: "Compelling Product and strong management combined with absurd short interest makes NIO the worst way to bet against China. Reference Link

09:50 EDT FRONTEO Inc (ADS) trading resumes

09:47 EDT PG&E falls -9.9% - PG&E is down -9.9%, or -$2.41 to $21.99.

09:47 EDT Resolute Energy rises 9.0% - Resolute Energy is up 9.0%, or $2.73 to $33.22.

09:47 EDT Zayo Group rises 16.3% - Zayo Group is up 16.3%, or $3.86 to $27.53.

09:33 EDT EXFO Inc. Chairman Lamonde purchases 111,300 shares of company stock - EXFO Inc. announced that Germain Lamonde, founder and Executive Chairman, and CEO Philippe Morin recently made personal decisions related to their share ownership in EXFO. Lamonde added to his majority ownership in EXFO by purchasing 111,300 shares valued at approximately C$500,000 on the open market, thereby increasing his position to 35.3M shares, directly and indirectly. Morin, whose 58,059 restricted share units in EXFO totaling approximately C$225,850 vested earlier this month, opted to hold onto his shares and pay the related income tax charges. Morin had previously purchased 600,000 shares when named EXFO's CEO in April 2017.

09:30 EDT Connecticut Water announces $85.7M capital spending plan for 2019 - Connecticut Water announced that the company's board approved an overall $85.7M capital spending plan for 2019 for its regulated public water and wastewater utilities. The plan represents an increase of $19.5M, or 29.5%, compared to 2018's approved plan. More than 41% of the capital spending planned for 2019, or $35.4M, is allocated for pipeline replacement and other projects eligible through Connecticut's Water infrastructure and conservation adjustment, or WICA, and Maine's water infrastructure charge, or WISC, programs. The plan also includes $12M for treatment improvements. The single largest portion of that is allocated to the Saco River Drinking Treatment Facility that will replace Maine Water's oldest surface water treatment plant, which went into service in 1884 and is possibly the oldest water treatment facility in the nation. The new treatment facility will be located out of the Saco River's flood plain and will ensure that the company has reliable capacity and system redundancy to meet the water needs of current and future customers in southern Maine. The facility is expected to be serviced in 2021. Under the plan, $70M will be allocated to the company's Connecticut subsidiaries and $15.8M to Maine Water.

09:18 EDT Corcept Therapeutics doses first patient in Phase 3 trial of relacorilant - Corcept Therapeutics announced that it dosed the first patient in the Phase 3 trial of relacorilant to treat patients with Cushing's syndrome. The Phase 3 trial is expected to enroll 130 patients with Cushing's syndrome at sites in the United States, Canada and Europe. The trial has a two-phase design. In the initial, open-label portion, all patients will receive relacorilant for 22 weeks, with doses starting at 100 mg per day, then increasing in 100 mg increments, as clinically indicated, to a maximum of 400 mg per day. After 22 weeks, patients who exhibit pre-specified improvements in glucose tolerance or hypertension, two of Cushing's syndrome's most common and pernicious symptoms, will enter a double-blind, placebo-controlled, withdrawal phase lasting 12 weeks. Half of the patients entering this phase will continue to receive relacorilant. The rest will receive placebo. The rate and degree of relapse in patients receiving placebo will be measured against the same parameters in patients continuing relacorilant.

09:15 EDT Applied DNA Sciences, Eurofins sign collaboration agreement - Applied DNA Sciences announced the signing of a Collaboration Agreement with Eurofins BLC Leather Technology Center to support the commercial implementation of Applied DNA's SigNature T-based leather traceability system. The signing of the Agreement follows the successful completion of the funded consortium research project with BLC as announced in May 2018.

09:13 EDT Immuron appoints Gary Jacob CEO - Immuron (IMRN) announced the appointment of Gary Jacob as CEO. Jacob is the former chairman, president and CEO of Synergy Pharmaceuticals (SGYP). Jacob's 30 plus years of extensive experience in the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries covers multiple disciplines, including research and development, operations, business development, capital financing activities and senior management expertise. He is the co-founder and founding CEO of Synergy Pharmaceuticals, which went public in 2008, and is the co-inventor of Trulance, an FDA approved drug which was approved in January, 2017 to treat chronic GI disorders and is currently being marketed in the U.S. by Synergy. Jacob has raised over $500M of capital in the public markets. The appointment of Jacob follows an extensive search conducted by the board of Immuron for a CEO with proven ability to advance the company, assist in regulatory and scientific advancements, and guide the research and development of Immuron's products into commercialisation.

09:09 EDT BankFinancial extends, expands share repurchase program - BankFinancial announced that its board has extended the expiration date of the company's share repurchase authorization from April 30, 2019 to July 31, 2019, and increased the total number of shares currently authorized for repurchase under the share repurchase program from 3,760,755 shares to 4,560,755 shares, an increase of 800,000 shares. As of November 16, a total of 800,000 shares of company remained authorized for repurchase pursuant to the amended repurchase authorization. The authorization permits shares to be repurchased in open market or negotiated transactions, and pursuant to any trading plan that may be adopted in accordance with Rule 10b5-1 of the SEC. The authorization will be utilized at management's discretion, subject to price, volume and other internal limitations that will be established by the company's board and to the limitations set forth in Rule 10b-18 of the SEC and other applicable legal requirements. Share repurchases will be funded from available working capital.

09:05 EDT GlycoMimetics enrolls first patient in Phase 3 clinical trial of uproleselan - GlycoMimetics announced dosing of the first patient in the company's Phase 3 clinical trial of uproleselan in relapsed/refractory AML. The trial's protocol provides for administration of the investigational drug in combination with MEC or in combination with FAI, both of which are standard of care for this indication in the United States. In 2017, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration granted Breakthrough Therapy Designation to GlycoMimetics for uproleselan in this patient population. The company anticipates the initiation of two complementary Phase 2/3 trials from two leading clinical consortia in early 2019. GlycoMimetics plans to enroll approximately 380 adult patients worldwide in the single pivotal randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled Phase 3 AML trial, which is designed to align with guidance received from regulatory agencies. The primary endpoint is overall survival, and censoring for transplant in the primary efficacy analysis will not be required. Key secondary endpoints include incidence of severe mucositis and remission rate, which will be assessed in a hierarchical fashion for potential inclusion in the product labeling. The majority of the study sites will be in the United States, with meaningful participation from leading clinical centers in other strategic countries to support regulatory filings in major markets.

09:02 EDT Dish names Atilla Tinic as Chief Information Officer - DISH (DISH) announced that it has appointed Atilla Tinic to the role of Senior Vice President and Chief Information Officer. Tinic joins DISH from CenturyLink (CTL) where he had served as SVP of IT. Tinic also held the role of CIO at Level 3 Communications prior to its 2017 acquisition by CenturyLink. He will report to John Swieringa, DISH Executive Vice President and COO.

08:57 EDT GE announces new leadership in Power reorganization - GE recently announced its intention to reorganize GE Power into two businesses -- GE Gas Power, comprised of Gas Power Systems and Power Services, and GE Power Portfolio, comprised of the Steam, Grid Solutions, Nuclear, and Power Conversion businesses -- and consolidate Power's headquarters structure to create a more simplified business structure that can best serve their customers. Today, GE announced the new senior leadership team, which will report directly to GE Chairman and CEO H. Lawrence Culp, Jr. John Rice, retired GE Vice Chairman, will return to GE to serve as the Chairman of the GE Gas Power business. Scott Strazik, current President of Power Services, has been named the Chief Executive Officer of GE Gas Power business. Russell Stokes, current CEO of GE Power, will be named the Chief Executive Officer of GE Power Portfolio. Culp said, "One of my top priorities is positioning our businesses to win, starting with GE Power. The leaders we are announcing today are exceptionally well suited to lead our new Gas Power and Power Portfolio teams in their efforts to deliver better customer outcomes and improve their execution and cost structures. I am confident this is the right strategy and the right team to lead these businesses forward."

08:42 EDT Fusion awarded $720,000 cloud solutions contract from Asian fast food chain - Fusion announced that it has secured a $720,000, three year cloud solutions contract with an Asian fast food chain that has been serving customers for over a century. The chain selected Fusion for its integrated and scalable single source capability, which converged Fusion's leading edge, software-defined network solution with a full complement of cloud communications solutions that fully met the chain's demanding requirements.

08:35 EDT Adverum Biotechnologies announces first patient dosed in OPTIC trial - Adverum Biotechnologies announced that the first patient was dosed in the OPTIC phase 1 trial evaluating ADVM-022 for patients with wet age-related macular degeneration.

08:30 EDT National Holdings Corp trading resumes

08:24 EDT Adial Pharmaceuticals engages Crown CRO to begin Phase 3 trial for AD04 - Adial Pharmaceuticals and Crown CRO, a contract research organization based in Finland, announced Crown's engagement to manage Adial's Phase 3 clinical trial for AD04 for the treatment of alcohol use disorder. The FDA approved protocol for this Phase 3 clinical trial is a 24-week trial with 290 patients in 30 clinical sites in 5 European countries.

08:17 EDT B. Riley Financial to buy majority National Holdings stake for $3.25 per share - B. Riley Financial (RILY) announced its wholly owned subsidiary has entered into an agreement to acquire Fortress Biotech's (FBIO) majority stake in National Holdings Corp (NHLD) for an aggregate purchase price totaling approximately $22.9M. B. Riley Financial has purchased 24% of National Holdings' outstanding shares at $3.25 per share. The remaining 32.1% of National Holdings' shares owned by Fortress Biotech will be purchased at the same per-share price by B. Riley Financial, or its designee, following FINRA approval. National Holdings continues to operate independently under the leadership of its chairman and CEO Michael Mullen and its board. Pursuant to an agreement with National Holdings, Bryant Riley, chairman and co-CEO of B. Riley Financial, will be entitled to attend and observe meetings of National Holdings' board.

08:11 EDT Capitala Group invests in Visible Body - Capitala Group announced that it has invested in Visible Body, the creator of human anatomy apps. Capitala's investment in Visible Body will help accelerate growth in the business-to-consumer space and help expand their business-to-business marketplace objectives.

08:09 EDT Regulus presents new data on anti-miR candidate for treatment of GBM - Regulus Therapeutics announced that it presented new data on the therapeutic potential of its lead anti-miR candidate for the treatment of glioblastoma multiforme, at the Society for Neuro-Oncology meeting held November 15-18, 2018 in New Orleans, LA. The company presented data highlighting the following: Confirmation of the differential upregulation of miR-10b in GBM tumor cells compared to normal brain tissue and a panel of other normal and malignant cell types. Identification of highly potent and specific anti-miR-10b oligonucleotide compounds that inhibited the growth of human GBM cell lines in vitro and in vivo. Demonstration of significant synergy benefit with the company's lead anti-miR-10b compound. Results showed efficacy as monotherapy (18% increase in median survival vs. control) comparable to standard of care temozolomide (27% increase in median survival) and synergy in combination with temozolomide ( greater than150% increased median survival) in an orthotopic tumor model in which human GBM cells were surgically implanted into mouse brains.

08:08 EDT Bloom Energy enters strategic partnership with SK E&C - SK Group and Bloom Energy Corporation announced a strategic agreement by which SK Engineering and Construction, or SK E&C, will become a distributor of Bloom Energy Server solid oxide fuel cell systems in South Korea. The partnership between Bloom Energy and SK E&C brings together the global leader in stationary fuel cells with South Korea's leading engineering and construction company, supported by the broad resources and capabilities of the SK Group, one of the largest conglomerates in South Korea.

08:07 EDT CACI awarded $413M contract for U.S. Army communications systems support - CACI International announced that it has been awarded a $413M prime contract by the General Services Administration Federal Acquisition Service Federal Systems Integration and Management Center on behalf of the U.S. Army Communications-Electronics Research, Development and Engineering Center Intelligence and Information Warfare Directorate to provide support for ground-based intelligence and communications systems within the Army's TROJAN STRONG family of systems. This five-year contract represents both the continuation of current support as well as new work in CACI's Command and Control and Intelligence Systems and Support market areas. The TROJAN STRONG FoS is one of the Army's premier ground intelligence platforms for intelligence collection and dissemination, access to signals intelligence, and fused intelligence data provided in near real-time. CACI will support TROJAN STRONG with engineering services, system design and development, fabrication, testing, fielding, maintenance, modernization, and training to advance the Army's signals intelligence capabilities.

08:06 EDT Minerva announces results from roluperidone study - Minerva announced the results from a prospective, double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized single-escalating dose study in healthy subjects to evaluate the investigational drug roluperidone as monotherapy administered at nine ascending doses. The highest dose tested is 4 multiples of the highest dose being used in the ongoing Phase 3 trial with this compound, under development for the treatment of negative symptoms of schizophrenia. The primary objectives of the study included the evaluation of the pharmacokinetics, dose-proportionality and the effect of plasma concentrations of roluperidone and its main metabolites on pharmacodynamic parameters using electrocardiogram, or ECG, Fridericia-corrected QT interval, or QTcF, a measurement of cardiac function. Secondary objectives included evaluation of safety and tolerability. A third objective was to provide an estimate of the supra-therapeutic dose to be used in the thorough QT study planned as part of the new drug application. The trial included a total of 90 subjects. 72 received 7 different doses of roluperidone, and 18 received placebo. All subjects who were dosed completed the study as planned except for one male subject who received placebo and subsequently withdrew his consent. The pharmacokinetics of roluperidone and its metabolites were dose proportional. No QTcF duration greater than 480 milliseconds or increases greater than 60 milliseconds compared to baseline values were observed in any subject. The 160 mg dose was the only roluperidone dose to show an adjusted QTcF mean increase from baseline of 10.7 msec. All other doses showed means -1.3 to 5 msec. No significant change in repolarization was observed. Two subjects in the placebo group and nine subjects in the roluperidone group reported adverse events that were mild to moderate in severity and resolved without sequelae. Doses up to 160 mg or 2.5 multiples of the highest dose being tested in the ongoing Phase 3 trial had no effect on any cardiac safety parameters. Slight but not clinically relevant increases in heart rate were observed in the placebo group and some of the roluperidone doses. No serious adverse events were reported.

08:04 EDT Compass Minerals CEO to step down, Dick Grant named interim CEO - Compass Minerals announced that the company's board and Fran Malecha have mutually agreed that Malecha will step down from his position as president, CEO and board member effective immediately. Dick Grant, lead independent director, will serve as chairman of the board and interim CEO until a permanent CEO is named.

08:03 EDT Tenax activates first clinical research site for Phase 2 trial of levosimendan - Tenax Therapeutics announced that Stanford University School of Medicine has been activated as the first clinical research site for the Company's Phase 2 trial designed to evaluate levosimendan in patients with pulmonary hypertension and heart failure with preserved ejection fraction. The study is also known as the H-E-L-P Trial and is expected to enroll a total of 36 PH-HFpEF patients at up to approximately 12-15 major research institutions across the US. The HELP trial is designed to evaluate the hemodynamic benefits of levosimendan, compared to placebo in patients with PH-HFpEF. In addition to the previously conducted preclinical and clinical studies, the trial design has been informed by the substantial clinical experience that comes from more than one million patients who have been treated in over 60 countries where levosimendan is currently approved to treat acute heart failure. PH-HFpEF represents an area of very high unmet medical need. No approved or effective therapies currently exist to treat the many patients who suffer with PH-HFpEF. Preliminary data from preclinical and clinical studies of pulmonary hypertension and heart failure patients provide a reason to believe that levosimendan may provide important benefits for PH-HFpEF patients.

08:01 EDT NextEra Energy to acquire Trans Bay Cable for approximately $1B

07:52 EDT Lonestar Resources announces Eagle Ford shale acquisition - Lonestar Resources announced that it has closed an acquisition of producing properties in the Eagle Ford Shale play. Lonestar paid $38.7M for a 3,084 gross / 2,706 net acres in the Sugarkane Field in DeWitt County, Texas from Sabine Oil & Gas Corporation and Alerion Gas AXA, LLC. The properties, 95% of which are operated, currently produce 800 boe/d from 20 wells. Estimated annualized EBITDAX from this level of production is $6M. The effective date of the acquisition is August 1, 2018. Lonestar has identified 26 Lower Eagle Ford drilling locations, with additional drilling potential in the Upper-Lower Eagle Ford, the Upper Eagle Ford and the Austin Chalk. Lonestar internally estimates that Proved reserves associated with the acquisition total 13.0 MMBOE, 3.2 MMBOE of which is Proved Developed Producing. 100% of these reserves are associated with the Lower Eagle Ford Shale. Based on the NYMEX Strip on November 15th, the Proved reserves have PV-101 of $77M. To account for the additional volumes associated with the acquired producing wells, Lonestar is raising its 2019 outlook. The company is increasing its 2019 production outlook from a range of 13,000 - 14,000 boe/d to 13,700-14,700 boe/d and increasing its 2019 EBITDAX outlook from a range of $140M-$160M to $145M-$165M.

07:48 EDT Babcock & Wilcox appoints Kenny Young as CEO - Babcock & Wilcox Enterprises announced that Kenny Young has been appointed CEO of the company, effective immediately. Leslie Kass, who has served as CEO since February 2018, is leaving B&W to pursue other opportunities. Additionally, B&W announced Lou Salamone has been appointed to serve as Executive Vice President of Finance and with the expectation that he will transition to the role of CFO in the near term.

07:17 EDT Merck KGaA, Pfizer: Phase III JAVELIN Ovarian 200 trial did not meet endpoint - Merck KGaA (MKGAY) and Pfizer (PFE) announced that the Phase III JAVELIN Ovarian 200 trial evaluating avelumab alone or in combination with pegylated liposomal doxorubicin, a type of chemotherapy, compared with PLD did not meet the prespecified primary endpoints of overall survival or progression-free survival in patients with platinum-resistant or -refractory ovarian cancer. Signals were observed in the combination arm relative to PLD, and further analyses of the trial are warranted. No new safety signals were observed for avelumab alone or in combination, and the safety profile for avelumab in this trial was consistent with that observed in the overall JAVELIN clinical development program. The data are currently being analyzed, and detailed results will be shared with the scientific community.

07:12 EDT Evogene establishes AgPlenus subsidiary - Evogene announced the establishment of a new subsidiary, AgPlenus. All of Evogene's ag-chemical activities focusing on the design and development of effective and safe next generation agro-chemical products are being transferred to the new subsidiary, along with access to Evogene's computational predictive biology, or CPB, platform. The ag-chemical activities being transferred to AgPlenus, which were initiated in 2014, now consist of a substantial internal and collaborative product pipeline focusing on herbicides and insecticides with a go-to-market strategy. This rapid product candidate discovery and early stage development was achieved through the use of Evogene's CPB platform. AgPlenus' product candidate pipeline includes advanced hits for potential new mode-of-action herbicides and new sites-of-action for key insecticidal targets. Evogene's existing ag-chemical collaborations with world leading crop protection companies such as BASF and ICL will also be transferred to the new subsidiary.

07:05 EDT RTI Surgical announces positive coverage decision for SI joint fusion surgery - RTI Surgical announced HealthPartners issued a positive coverage decision for minimally invasive sacroiliac joint fusion surgery, effective November 1, 2018. This decision expands access to RTI's SImmetry System for HealthPartners members considering treatment for SI joint pain or dysfunction. The SImmetry System is a minimally invasive surgical solution that uses proprietary decortication technology, bone graft and threaded fixation to facilitate bone fusion, providing an opportunity for long-term pain relief. It has been reported that up to 30 percent of all chronic low back pain, the second most common cause of disability in American adults, is due to SI joint dysfunction. SI joint fusion surgery using the SImmetry System is designed to stabilize the dysfunctional SI joint by fusing the sacrum and the pelvic bone together. The ongoing EVoluSIon Clinical Study is evaluating the impact of SImmetry on SI joint fusion and pain reduction in 250 patients across 23 sites. An early analysis of the first 50 patients published in December 2017 showed a 54 percent reduction in SI joint pain at six months, as well as a 55 percent reduction in opioid use. A separate CT fusion study on the SImmetry System demonstrated a 73 percent reduction in average pain over 24 months. Clinical outcomes from 100 patients presented at the International Society for the Advancement of Spine Surgery 2018 Annual Meeting showed the SImmetry System provided a 56 percent reduction in patient-reported pain, and a statistically significant reduction in the use of opioids and other pain medications at six months.

07:04 EDT Playa Hotels & Resorts appoints Fernando Mulet as CDO - Playa Hotels & Resorts (PLYA) announced the appointment of Fernando Mulet as executive VP and CDO. Mulet will report to Playa's chairman and CEO Bruce Wardinski and will continue to serve as a member of the company's executive team. Mulet is a founding member of the Playa management team, beginning with the company at its inception in 2006. Before joining Playa, Mulet was the director of international investments & asset management with Highland Hospitality (HIH). A native of Spain, he began his career in the hospitality industry at Barcelo Hotels & Resorts. As part of Mulet's expanded role, he will oversee the company's new development office in Cancun, Mexico as well as the growth of a development team.

07:02 EDT Target announces plans for Cyber Week - Target unveiled its plans for Cyber Week, beginning Sunday, Nov. 25, with offers across Target.com, including the retailer's lowest prices of the season on items in toys, home, kitchen appliances, and more. On Cyber Monday, Nov. 26, Target will bring back its wildly popular one-day sale, offering guests 15% off hundreds of thousands of items on Target.com, including top gifts of the season. This discount will be applied to regularly priced and sale items. Additional savings will continue throughout Cyber Week, including department-wide discounts across Target.com. In advance of Cyber Week, Target guests can score big on Black Friday deals. Beginning Wednesday, Nov. 21, Target REDcard holders can shop more than 100 Black Friday deals early on Target.com. As always, Target REDcard holders receive an additional five percent off all purchases. All Black Friday deals go live on Target.com early in the morning of Thanksgiving, Nov. 22 - ahead of Target stores opening at 5 p.m. that day. On Black Friday, Nov. 23, when guests spend $50 in store or online, or scan the wallet feature in the Target app, they will receive a coupon for 20 percent off a future holiday shopping trip, redeemable from Nov. 27 through Dec. 8

06:48 EDT KKR to acquire GeoStabilization International from CAI Capital Partners - KKR has entered into an agreement to acquire GeoStabilization International from CAI Capital Partners. This transaction marks KKR's third acquisition of a middle-market business in the industrials sector this year. The transaction, the financial details of which were not disclosed, is being funded through KKR's Americas XII Fund. This transaction, which is subject to regulatory approvals and other customary closing conditions, is expected to close by year-end 2018.

06:42 EDT Extraction Oil & Gas announces $100M stock repurchase program - Extraction Oil & Gas announced that the board of directors of Extraction has approved a stock repurchase program under which Extraction is authorized to repurchase up to $100M of its outstanding common stock from time to time in the open market, through negotiated transactions or otherwise. The program is expected to be funded initially by the Company's existing liquidity, including cash on hand and short-term revolver borrowings. The Company then expects to use internally generated cash flows and proceeds from the Company's ongoing asset sale program to repay any borrowings prior to completion of the program. The stock repurchase program will expire on March 31, 2019. Extraction intends to conduct any open market stock repurchase activities in compliance with the safe harbor provisions of Rule 10b-18 of the Exchange Act.

06:39 EDT Colfax to acquire DJO Global for $3.15B in cash - Colfax (CFX) announced it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire DJO Global from private equity funds managed by Blackstone (BX) for $3.15B in cash. DJO is a global leader in orthopedic solutions, providing orthopedic devices, software and services spanning the full continuum of patient care, from injury prevention to rehabilitation. Upon closing of the transaction, DJO Global will operate as a new segment within Colfax and be led by Shirley, who will report directly to Trerotola. The transaction, which is expected to close in the first quarter of 2019, is expected to deliver adjusted EPS accretion in the first full year after closing. In addition, Colfax expects to realize future tax benefits from DJO's approximately $800 million of net operating loss carryforwards. Colfax expects to finance the transaction with approximately $100M of cash from its balance sheet, proceeds from credit facilities and a contemplated debt offering, and $500M-$700M from a contemplated offering of equity or equity-linked securities. J.P. Morgan and Credit Suisse have committed to provide bridge financing for the transaction. Colfax expects to maintain its existing debt ratings and will prioritize deleveraging to reduce its net leverage ratio to the mid-3x range by the end of calendar 2019. In connection with its deleveraging plans, Colfax is evaluating strategic options for its Air and Gas Handling business. Colfax does not intend to undertake any material acquisitions or share repurchases until its leverage metrics return to targeted levels. The acquisition is subject to customary closing conditions, including receipt of applicable regulatory approvals.

06:37 EDT Colfax to acquire DJO Global for $3.15B in cash

06:32 EDT Spectrum Brands sees FY19 adjusted EBITDA $560M-$580M - Spectrum Brands expects meaningful reported net sales growth from continuing operations in fiscal 2019 due to innovation, increased marketing investments, pricing actions, including tariff-related increases, and market share gains. The impact from foreign exchange on net sales is expected to be modestly negative based upon current rates. Fiscal 2019 adjusted EBITDA from continuing operations is expected to be between $560M-$580M.

06:20 EDT GP Strategies awarded multi-year contract extension from banking organization - GP Strategies announced they have entered into a new multi-year extension of their 2013 agreement with a global financial services and banking organization, allowing GP Strategies to continue providing global learning services to the organization. Under this extension, with a base term of three years and an option for two additional years, GP Strategies expects to support global delivery of learning in a preferred provider model. This client serves customers in over 66 countries and territories in Europe, the Asia-Pacific region, North and Latin America, and the Middle East and North Africa. GP Strategies' UK operations have provided learning services to this organization for over 15 years and have been providing managed learning services to them over the past five years that include design of content, management of vendors, and the deployment of learning worldwide. The new agreement continues the long-standing relationship between the two companies, leveraging GP Strategies' expertise in the delivery and management of global learning.

06:05 EDT Precision Drilling announces expiration of waiting period for Trinidad deal - Precision Drilling announced that the waiting period under the Competition Act expired on November 16, 2018 in relation to the combination with Trinidad Drilling. At Precision's election, the expiration of the waiting period now satisfies the required Competition Act condition under the arrangement agreement between Precision and Trinidad.

06:04 EDT Tutor Perini awarded $799.5M contract for Southwest Light Rail Transit project - Tutor Perini announced that a joint venture between its wholly owned subsidiary, Lunda Construction, and C.S. McCrossan has been awarded a contract valued at approximately $799.5M by the Metropolitan Council for the Southwest Light Rail Transit project in Minneapolis. This major regional transportation project, the largest public infrastructure project in Minnesota's history, consists of a 14.5-mile extension of the METRO Green Line and involves construction of new light rail infrastructure, including 44 bridges, two cut-and-cover tunnels and 16 new light rail stations. Work is expected to commence in December 2018 with major construction ramping up in the spring of 2019. When the project was originally bid in May 2018, the contract duration was 42 months. The Lunda/McCrossan JV is currently discussing the construction schedule with the Metropolitan Council to determine a substantial completion date, based on the impacts that a later-than-anticipated contract award might have on various portions of the project. The contract value will be included in the Company's fourth quarter 2018 backlog.

05:53 EDT Telecom Italia appoints Luigi Gubitosi as CEO - On Sunday, the company said, "TIM's board of directors met chaired by Fulvio Conti and -in agreement with the recommendation made by the nomination and remuneration committee - deliberated to appoint Luigi Gubitosi CEO and general manager, conferring him executive powers. By a majority vote the existing new governance arrangements have been confirmed: the chairman has the powers laid down by law, the company's Bylaws and the code of conduct; the CEO has all the powers necessary to carry out the company's activities, with the exception of those reserved by law and the Bylaws to the Board of Directors; the head of security Stefano Grassi is temporarily assigned the role of security officer. Luigi Gubitosi will receive a compensation corresponding to that already attributed to his predecessor, therefore in line with the company's remuneration policy. Following his appointment as CEO and general manager, Luigi Gubitosi qualifies as executive director and no longer sits on the Control and Risk Committee; as of today, Luigi Gubitosi does not own any shares in Telecom Italia S.p.A.."

05:32 EDT Nissan finds 'significant acts of misconduct' by Representative Director - Nissan said in a statement, "Based on a whistleblower report, Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. has been conducting an internal investigation over the past several months regarding misconduct involving the company's Representative Director and Chairman Carlos Ghosn and Representative Director Greg Kelly. The investigation showed that over many years both Ghosn and Kelly have been reporting compensation amounts in the Tokyo Stock Exchange securities report that were less than the actual amount, in order to reduce the disclosed amount of Carlos Ghosn's compensation. Also, in regards to Ghosn, numerous other significant acts of misconduct have been uncovered, such as personal use of company assets, and Kelly's deep involvement has also been confirmed. Nissan has been providing information to the Japanese Public Prosecutors Office and has been fully cooperating with their investigation. We will continue to do so. As the misconduct uncovered through our internal investigation constitutes clear violations of the duty of care as directors, Nissan's Chief Executive Officer Hiroto Saikawa will propose to the Nissan Board of Directors to promptly remove Ghosn from his positions as Chairman and Representative Director. Saikawa will also propose the removal of Greg Kelly from his position as Representative Director." Nissan deeply apologizes for causing great concern to our shareholders and stakeholders. We will continue our work to identify our governance and compliance issues, and to take appropriate measures.

05:20 EDT Gilead says China NMPA approved Vemlidy - Gilead Sciences announced that the China National Medical Products Administration, or NMPA, has approved Vemlidy 25 mg, a once-daily treatment for chronic hepatitis B in adults and adolescents. Vemlidy is a novel, targeted prodrug of tenofovir that has demonstrated antiviral efficacy similar to Gilead's Viread 300 mg but at one-tenth of the dose. Data show that because Vemlidy has greater plasma stability and more efficiently delivers tenofovir to hepatocytes compared to Viread, it can be given at a lower dose, resulting in less tenofovir in the bloodstream. In clinical trials, Vemlidy demonstrated improved renal and bone laboratory safety parameters compared to Viread.