Stockwinners Market Radar for November 21, 2018 - Earnings, Upgrades downgrades, option trades, Best Stock Advisory Service

18:51 EDT Boeing, Carribean Airlines announce selection of 737 MAX - Boeing and Caribbean Airlines announced the airline has chosen to enhance and renew its single-aisle fleet with the 737 MAX 8. The carrier, which has long operated the Next-Generation 737, will take delivery of 12 MAX airplanes in the coming years.

18:03 EDT Celanese increases price of acetic acid in China - Celanese will increase list and off-list selling prices for acetic acid to RMB515 per MT. The price increase is for orders shipped and will be effective immediately, or as contracts otherwise allow, and are incremental to any previously announced increases.

17:45 EDT Facebook's Sandberg says she takes 'full responsibility' for comms team work - In response to outgoing Facebook Head of Communications and Policy Elliot Schrage's comments on Facebook's work with PR firm Definers, Facebook COO Sheryl Sandberg said that she takes "full responsibility" for the communications team's work and the PR firms who work for Facebook. "When I read the story in New York Times last week, I didn't remember a firm called Definers," Sandberg said. "I asked our team to look into the work Definers did for us and to double-check whether anything had crossed my desk. Some of their work was incorporated into materials presented to me and I received a small number of emails where Definers was referenced. I also want to emphasize that it was never anyone's intention to play into an anti-Semitic narrative against Mr. Soros or anyone else. Being Jewish is a core part of who I am and our company stands firmly against hate. The idea that our work has been interpreted as anti-Semitic is abhorrent to me - and deeply personal. I know this has been a distraction at a time when you're all working hard to close out the year - and I am sorry. As I said at the All Hands, I believe so deeply in the work we do and feel so grateful to all of you for doing so much every day. Thanksgiving seems like the right time to say a big thank you once again."

17:42 EDT Facebook says it asked Definers to do work on Soros, competitors - Facebook said in a blog post that yesterday outgoing Head of Communications and Policy Elliot Schrage shared more detail with the company's employees about the work it did with Definers, a Washington, DC PR firm. "We hired Definers in 2017 as part of our efforts to diversify our DC advisors after the election," Facebook said. "Like many companies, we needed to broaden our outreach. We also faced growing pressure from competitors in tech, telcos and media companies that want government to regulate us. This pressure became particularly acute in September 2017 after we released details of Russian interference on our service. We hired firms associated with both Republicans and Democrats - Definers was one of the Republican-affiliated firms. While we're continuing to review our relationship with Definers, we know the following: We asked Definers to do what public relations firms typically do to support a company - sending us press clippings, conducting research, writing messaging documents, and reaching out to reporters. Some of this work is being characterized as opposition research, but I believe it would be irresponsible and unprofessional for us not to understand the backgrounds and potential conflicts of interest of our critics. This work can be used internally to inform our messaging and where appropriate it can be shared with reporters. This work is also useful to help respond to unfair claims where Facebook has been singled out for criticism, and to positively distinguish us from competitors. As the pressure on Facebook built throughout the year, the Communications team used Definers more and more. At Sheryl's request, we're going through all the work they did, but we have learned that as the engagement expanded, more people worked with them on more projects and the relationship was less centrally managed." Facebook said it did ask Definers to do work on George Soros, saying it wanted to determine if Soros had any financial motivation to call the company a "menace to society." The company added that it did ask Definers to do work on its competitors, though it did not ask them to create or distribute fake news. "Responsibility for these decisions rests with leadership of the Communications team," Schrage said. "That's me. Mark and Sheryl relied on me to manage this without controversy." "Mark has asked us to reevaluate how we work with communications consultants. It's not about Definers. It is about us, not them," Schrage added. Reference Link

17:33 EDT MSD Partners reports 6.8% passive stake in Ziopharm

17:08 EDT SBA Communications' Cocroft sells 12,543 common shares - In a regulatory filing, SBA Communications director Duncan Cocroft disclosed the sale of 12,543 common shares of the company at a price of $171.85 per share.

17:03 EDT Molina Healthcare director Charles Fedak sells 3,795 shares - Molina Healthcare director Charles Fedak disclosed in a regulatory filing that he had sold 3,795 shares of company stock at an average price of $120.74 per share on November 19.

17:01 EDT KB Home expands into northern Colorado market - KB Home announced its expansion into Northern Colorado with the grand opening of two new commuter-friendly KB Home communities, The Lakes at Centerra in Loveland and Barefoot Lakes in Firestone, this Friday through Sunday. The first of the two new communities, The Lakes at Centerra, is a collection of new one- and two-story homes in Centerra's master-planned community located in Loveland.

16:51 EDT Honeywell's Pardo sells 13,400 common shares - In a regulatory filing, Honeywell director Jaime Chico Pardo disclosed the sale of 13,400 common shares of the company at a price of $145.13 per share.

16:48 EDT New Jersey Resources sells remaining 117 megawatt wind portfolio for $208.5M - NJR Clean Energy Ventures, a clean energy subsidiary of New Jersey Resources announced the sale of its remaining 117 megawatt wind portfolio, consisting of four wind farms, to a subsidiary of Skyline Renewables for a total of $208.M, assuming a closing of December 31. CEV entered into a purchase and sale agreement and submitted a joint filing with Skyline for authorization with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, FERC. Once approved by FERC, the transaction is expected to close. The proceeds from the sale will reduce external financing needs, which is factored into NJR's current fiscal 2019 financing guidance. Earlier this year, CEV sold a 9.7 MW wind farm for $18.5M. Today's announcement completes the sale of all its operating wind farms. "While we have divested our current wind portfolio, clean energy is an integral part of our business and we will continue to invest in clean energy projects that position NJR for long-term growth," said Stephen D. Westhoven, President and COO of New Jersey Resources.

16:40 EDT Diana Shipping commences self tender offer to purchase up to 4.17M shares - Diana Shipping announced the commencement of a tender offer to purchase up to 4,166,666 shares, or about 3.86%, of its outstanding common stock using funds available from cash and cash equivalents at a price of $3.60 per share. The tender offer will expire at the end of the day, 5:00 P.M., Eastern Time, on December 20, 2018, unless extended or withdrawn. The Board of Directors determined that it is in the company's best interest to repurchase shares at this time given Diana Shipping's cash position and stock price.

16:36 EDT DavidsTea appoints Frank Zitella as CFO effective December 10th - DAVIDsTEA (DTEA) announces the appointment of Frank Zitella, CPA, CA, CMA, as Chief Financial Officer and member of the executive management team, effective December 10, 2018. Frank Zitella has nearly 30 years of experience in finance, corporate taxation, strategic planning and governance. Most recently, he was CFO and Treasurer of Loop Industries, Inc. (LOOP). Prior to that and for more than a decade, Mr. Zitella was CFO of DST Health Solutions, a subsidiary of SS&C Technologies Holdings, Inc.

16:17 EDT Twilio receives HSR clearance for proposed SendGrid acquisition - Twilio and SendGrid received notification of early termination of the waiting period under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act of 1976 on November 20 with respect to the proposed acquisition of SendGrid. Termination of the waiting period under the HSR Act is one of the pending conditions. The transaction remains subject to other closing conditions, and is expected to close in 1H19.

16:15 EDT Orchids Paper wins 'significant bid,' amends credit agreement - Orchids Paper Products announced that the company has reached an agreement with its creditors, amending its credit agreement. The company also announced that it has won a significant bid with a new customer, to supply 100% recycled ultra-premium quality tissue. Jeff Schoen, President and Chief Executive Officer, stated, "Our lenders continue to support and maintain access to the liquidity needed to operate our business. On November 20, we executed modifications to our credit facilities to increase the amount available under our revolving line of credit by $5.9M and to defer future principal and interest payments to December 31. In addition, the amended agreement extends the milestone dates to execute a transaction to December 31. At the end of the third quarter, the Company had $5.1M of cash on hand. "Additionally, we recently won a significant bid from a national supercenter retailer as the sole supplier of 100% recycled ultra-premium kitchen towel and bath tissue supporting the sustainable product channel, which will be serviced out of our Barnwell facility using QRT paper. We expect this business to begin shipping in March 2019 and to make a significant contribution to the overall profitability of the company."

16:08 EDT Axalta Coating's General Counsel Michael Finn steps down - Axalta Coating's Senior VP, General Counsel and Corporate / Government Affairs and Corporate Secretary Michael Finn has decided to step down to pursue another professional opportunity. Finn will officially leave the company prior to year-end but will continue to consult for Axalta to ensure a seamless transition of his responsibilities. Finn had served as Axalta's General Counsel since joining the company in 2013. Deputy General Counsel and Chief Compliance Officer Tabitha Oman will step into the role of Interim General Counsel while Axalta conducts an executive search for a successor.

16:02 EDT Karpus Management reports 4.95% passive stake in MCN Energy Group Inc

16:00 EDT Hudson Technologies enters into additional Extension Letter - Hudson Technologies announced that it has entered into an additional Extension Letter related to its interim Waiver and Second Amendment to its Term Loan Credit and Security Agreement. The Extension Letter extends to November 30, the delivery deadline for the company to provide the Term Loan Lenders with a certificate setting forth the total leverage ratio as of the four fiscal quarter period ended September 30.

15:18 EDT NYDFS to hold hearing on Cigna deal for Express Scripts on December 7 - The New York State Department of Financial Services gave notice of a public hearing on the application by Cigna (CI) for approval of acquisition of control of Medco Containment Insurance Company of New York, a subsidiary of Express Scripts (ESRX) to be held at 10:00 am ET on December 7. Reference Link

14:28 EDT CD&R Group to buy additional shares in Beacon Roofing - In a regulatory filing before the open, CD&R Boulder Holdings disclosed that on November 20 CD&R entered into a letter agreement with Beacon Roofing pursuant to which the company consented to the acquisition by the CD&R Group of additional common shares, in open market purchases or through the use of forward purchase agreements or similar programs with third party financial institutions, provided that the number of common shares so acquired by the CD&R Group, when taken together with all other common shares beneficially owned by the Group and the number of common shares issuable upon conversion of the preferred shares beneficially ownedby CD&R does not exceed 30% of the sum of the total number of outstanding common shares and the number of common shares issuable upon conversion of the preferred shares beneficially owned by the Group, determined based on the most recent public filing by the company prior to the date of the relevant acquisition of common shares by CD&R. Also on November 20, CD&R Holdings entered into an arrangement with Credit Suisse (CS), represented by Credit Suisse Securities, pursuant to which CD&R Holdings has agreed to purchase additional common shares from CS. CD&R Holdings is the beneficial owner of 10,009,019 common shares on an as-converted basis. 9,694,619 of such common shares are issuable upon conversion, based on an initial conversion price of $41.26, as adjusted, at the option of the holder, of the 400,000 preferred shares that, as of the date hereof, are held directly by CD&R Holdings.

14:19 EDT Roche announces FDA grants accelerated approval for Venclexta combo - Roche (RHHBY) announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has granted accelerated approval to Venclexta, in combination with a hypomethylating agent, or low-dose cytarabine, for the treatment of people with newly-diagnosed acute myeloid leukaemia, or AML, who are age 75 years or older, or for those ineligible for intensive induction chemotherapy due to coexisting medical conditions. This approval of Venclexta is based on surrogate endpoints that are reasonably likely to predict clinical benefit, including CR and CRh. Continued approval for this indication may be contingent upon verification and description of clinical benefit observed in confirmatory trials. Venclexta is being developed by AbbVie and Roche. It is jointly commercialized by AbbVie (ABBV) and Genentech, a member of the Roche Group, in the U.S. and commercialized by AbbVie outside of the U.S.

14:08 EDT Ategra stake in Hawthorn Bancshares falls to 4.97% - As of November 20, Ategra Community Financial Institution Fund ceased to be the beneficial owners of more than 5% of the shares of Hawthorn Bancshares.

13:41 EDT Pfizer says FDA approves DAURISMO for adults with newly-diagnosed AML - Pfizer announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved DAURISMO, a once-daily oral medicine, for the treatment of newly-diagnosed acute myeloid leukemia in adult patients who are 75 years or older or who have comorbidities that preclude use of intensive induction chemotherapy. DAURISMO is taken in combination with low-dose cytarabine, a type of chemotherapy. DAURISMO has not been studied in patients with severe renal impairment or moderate-to-severe hepatic impairment. AML is a rapidly progressing bone marrow cancer with poor survival rates compared to other leukemias. The standard of care for people with AML is intensive chemotherapy; however, for many elderly patients with AML, as well as those who have certain health conditions prior to receiving their diagnosis, intensive treatment is not an option. Historically, a majority of these individuals do not receive treatment and face a poor prognosis. "As our second medicine approved in the last 14 months for patients with acute myeloid leukemia, DAURISMO reinforces our commitment to delivering new medicines to patients living with some of the most difficult-to-treat cancers, especially those for which there are limited treatment options available," said Andy Schmeltz, Global President, Pfizer Oncology. "We are proud to now offer these patients for whom intensive chemotherapy is not an option a new oral medicine, taken in combination with low-dose chemotherapy, that may improve their chances of survival."

13:17 EDT Aquestive under pressure after generic Suboxone patent decision - Shares of Aquestive Therapeutics (AQST) are sliding after Dr. Reddy's Laboratories (RDY) announced that the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit issued a decision in favor of the latter, vacating the District Court's preliminary injunction that had prohibited Dr. Reddy's from selling its generic version of Indivior's Suboxone. While noting that the Aquestive selloff appears "meaningfully overdone," RBC Capital analyst Randall Stanicky believes this will impact the milestones that the company receives from Indivior, with the remaining milestones now unlikely. Meanwhile, his peer at BMO Capital sees the situation as fluid and "very manageable." BUPRENORPHINE, NALOXONE LITIGATION: Last night, Dr. Reddy's Laboratories along with its subsidiaries announced that the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit issued a decision in favor of Dr. Reddy's Laboratories, concluding that Indivior had not shown that it is likely to succeed on the merits of its infringement case on U.S. Patent No. 9,931,305. This decision vacates the District Court's preliminary injunction that had prohibited Dr. Reddy's from selling its generic version of Suboxone sublingual film. As a result of the ruling, Dr. Reddy's will resume its launch activities "as soon as permitted". In a statement following the news, Aquestive Therapeutics said that, "While we are disappointed by the court's decision, we will continue to work with Indivior to vigorously pursue ongoing infringement cases against DRL and other generic manufacturers in order to protect the Suboxone patent portfolio. [Yesterday's] action does nothing to change the validity and assertability of any of the patents in our portfolio." AQUESTIVE SELLOFF OVERDONE: In a research note to investors, RBC Capital's Stanicky argued that the decision to lift the preliminary injunction on Dr. Reddy's launching a generic version of Suboxone will impact the milestones that Aquestive receives from Indivior, with the remaining milestones now unlikely. However, he noted that Suboxone in total comprises about $3 per share in value in his model, which is meaningfully less than the two-day selloff of $7 in the stock, which makes the pullback "meaningfully overdone." Looking ahead, the analyst believes the focus for Aquestive is on the proprietary side of its business, including the recent launch of Sympazan oral film. Stanicky reiterated an Outperform rating and $24 price target on Aquestive shares. LOSS ON SUBOXONE APPEAL 'MANAGEABLE': Also commenting on the news, BMO Capital analyst Gary Nachman said that while the appeals court ruling "disappointing and surprising," and could trigger an at-risk launch by Dr. Reddy's, the situation is fluid and "very manageable." Acknowledging that there is "certainly a possibility" Indivior and Dr. Reddy's could settle, the analyst also noted that it is not completely clear if that would trigger accelerated launches of generic Suboxone from Mylan (MYL) and Endo International (ENDP)/Par. Overall, Nachman believes that Aquestive's ex-U.S. Suboxone revenue, while currently small, is a much bigger driver of long-term value. The analyst reiterated an Outperform rating and $26 price target on Aquestive shares. PRICE ACTION: In afternoon trading, shares of Aquestive have dropped over 23% to $10.11, while Dr. Reddy's stock is fractionally down to $36.36.

13:11 EDT Medtronic to acquire Nutrino Health, terms not disclosed - Medtronic announced a definitive agreement under which Medtronic will acquire Nutrino Health, a provider of nutrition-related data services, analytics, and technologies. Medtronic will add Nutrino's "comprehensive food database, food analysis system and nutrition-science expertise" to its capabilities, upon closing of the transaction. This transaction will build on a relationship originated in June 2016. Nutrino played a role in recent U.S. product introductions from Medtronic, including the updated iPro2 myLog app used with professional CGM solutions as well as the Sugar.IQ diabetes assistant app used with the Guardian Connect smart CGM system. The acquisition is expected to close in Medtronic's third fiscal quarter, ending January 25, 2019, subject to the satisfaction of certain customary closing conditions. The transaction is expected to be neutral to fiscal year 2019 earnings per share and meet Medtronic's long-term financial metrics for acquisitions. Additional terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

13:04 EDT Baker Hughes reports U.S. rig count down 3 to 1,079 rigs - Baker Hughes reports the U.S. rig count is down 3 rigs from last week to 1,079, with oil rigs down 3 to 885 and gas rigs unchanged at 194.

12:50 EDT GameStop says board still reviewing strategic, financial alternatives - "This transaction enables GameStop to enhance our performance with an increased focus on the video game industry and the rapidly-growing collectibles space. These are areas where we have considerable experience and where we are well positioned to capitalize on our competitive position," said Dan DeMatteo, executive chairman of GameStop's board of directors. "Our board continues to review strategic and financial alternatives to enhance shareholder value and we look forward to providing an update on the process at the appropriate time."

12:44 EDT GameStop trading halted, news pending

12:03 EDT Home Depot director Mark Vadon purchases over $2M worth of company stock - Home Depot director Mark Vadon disclosed in a filing that he had purchased 11,500 shares of company stock at an average price of $174.27 per share on November 19. The total transaction value of the purchase was $2,004,105.

11:08 EDT York Water raises dividend 4% to 17.33c per share - York Water announced that the board of directors declared a quarterly dividend of 17.33c per share, a 4% increase. The dividend is payable January 15, 2019 to shareholders as of record date December 31, 2018.

10:58 EDT Altimmune granted European patent for influenza antigen delivery vectors - A post to the European Patent Register site indicates that Altimmune was granted a patent for influenza antigen delivery vectors and constructs. Reference Link

10:37 EDT Deere raises 2022 operating margin target to 15%

10:29 EDT Deere says U.S. farmers, dealers 'cautiously optimistic' - Says record yields, higher corn will offset lower soy prices. Says cotton, wheat prices supportive of farmer crop revenues. Says farmer and dealer sentiment remains cautiously optimistic. Says pleased with initial response to early order programs. Says early orders for planters, sprayers up mid-single digits. Says environment 'quite positive' in Brazil with farmer sentiment up on elections. Says expectations for the year are primarily driven by replacement demand. Says demand supports gradual recovery for large AG equipment. Says growth in Argentina is likely to remain challenged in the near-term. Comments taken from Q4 earnings conference call.

10:00 EDT Britannia Bulk falls -7.5% - Britannia Bulk is down -7.5%, or -93c to $11.51.

10:00 EDT Qudian rises 11.1% - Qudian is up 11.1%, or 48c to $4.77.

10:00 EDT Foot Locker rises 15.2% - Foot Locker is up 15.2%, or $6.99 to $53.08.

09:45 EDT FRONTEO Inc (ADS) trading halted, volatility trading pause

09:11 EDT US Ecology sees FY18 at lower end of prior guidance after Grand View explosion - In a regulatory 8-K filing released yesterday, US Ecology stated that it is "refining its FY18 financial guidance as a result of an explosion at its Grand View waste facility that occurred on November 17, 2018. As a result of the incident, the entire Grand View waste facility is closed pending regulatory and internal investigations. While the facility is closed, we are re-routing waste to our other facilities wherever possible. Based on currently available information, we now expect that we will finish 2018 at the lower end of our previously issued guidance range, released on November 1, 2018, of adjusted EBITDA of $125 million to $130 million and adjusted earnings per share of $2.28 to $2.44. This guidance revision is based on available information as of the date of this filing. Through the first nine months of 2018, the Grand View facility contributed approximately 8% of total consolidated revenue and approximately 12% of total Environmental Services segment revenue."

09:02 EDT Ligand announces OmniAb partnership with iMetabolic Biopharma - Ligand Pharmaceuticals Incorporated announces it has entered into a worldwide OmniAb partnership with iMetabolic Biopharma Corporation, an early stage biopharma company located in Tempe, AZ. Under the terms of the partnership, iMBP gains access to the full OmniAb platform including OmniRat, OmniMouse, OmniFlic and OmniChicken in their drug discovery efforts. Ligand received an up-front license payment and is eligible to receive a tiered royalty on future potential sales of up to 6%. As part of the agreement, Ligand will fund and facilitate selected early antibody discovery activities and will in return receive an ownership position in iMBP. iMetabolic Biopharma Corporation will be responsible for pre-clinical and clinical development costs and commercialization costs.

08:40 EDT Diana Shipping announces time charter contract for m/v Alcmeme with BG Shipping - Diana Shipping announced that, through a separate wholly-owned subsidiary, it has entered into a time charter contract with BG Shipping for one of its Post-Panamax dry bulk vessels, the m/v Alcmene. The gross charter rate is $11,500 per day, minus a 5% commission paid to third parties, for a period of minimum 11 months to maximum 14 months. The charter has commenced. This employment is anticipated to generate approximately $3.8M of gross revenue for the minimum scheduled period of the time charter.

08:29 EDT Agco drops 2% after Deere issues FY19 guidance - Shares of farm equipment maker Agco (AGCO) are lower in pre-market trading after Deere (DE) guided for its equipment sales to increase by about 7% for FY19 compared with 2018. Deere chairman and CEO Samuel Allen said earlier along with the company's Q4 report: "In the fourth quarter, farm machinery sales in the Americas made further gains while construction-equipment sales continued to move higher, helped in part by our Wirtgen road-building business, whose financial contribution has exceeded our original forecasts. At the same time, the company has continued to face cost pressures for raw materials such as steel, which are being addressed through pricing actions and ongoing cost management...The replacement cycle for farm machinery is very much alive, despite tensions over global trade and other geopolitical issues." In pre-market trading, Deere shares are down about 3% to $134.00 while Agco shares are down 1.9% to $56.85.

08:10 EDT Kratos Defense awarded $29M directed energy systems contract - Kratos Defense announced that the Kratos Defense & rocket support services, or KDRSS, division has been awarded a $29M contract to develop prototype technologies, components and subsystems for the enhancement of existing or new directed energy, or DE, systems. The effort will extend DE system capabilities of counter rocket, artillery and mortar, counter unmanned aircraft systems, or C-UAS, and/or counter intel, surveillance, reconnaissance missions for the US Army Space and Missile Defense Command/Army Forces Strategic Command. The specific technologies include beam control, high energy lasers, adaptive optics, power, thermal, sensors, illuminators, joint fires, fire support, and target tracking. These prototype projects are directly relevant to enhancing mission effectiveness of military personnel and the supporting platforms, systems, components, or materials proposed to be acquired or developed by the Army. Work under this contract is anticipated to be performed at Kratos facilities and at government locations in Huntsville, Alabama.

08:03 EDT Silicon Motion announces new $200M share repurchase program - Silicon Motion announced that its board has authorized a new program for the company to repurchase up to $200M of its American depositary shares, or ADSs, over a 24 month period, effective immediately. Repurchases under the new program will be made in the open market or according to other methods in compliance with SEC Rule 10b-18, subject to market conditions, applicable legal requirements and other factors. The company expects to use cash on hand to fund the repurchases. The plan does not obligate the company to acquire any particular amount of ADS, and it may be suspended at any time at the company's discretion.

08:02 EDT ViewRay names Rob Fuchs as Chief Human Resources Officer - ViewRay announced the appointment of Robert Fuchs as Chief Human Resources Officer effective October 22, 2018. Fuchs has over 18 years of experience in leading human resources. Prior to joining ViewRay, Rob was the Senior Vice President, Global Human Resources Officer for Advanced Energy. Previously, he served as Senior Vice President, Global Human Resources Officer for Spectranetics.

07:47 EDT Jacobs Engineering awarded contract extension at NASA's Langley Research Center - Jacobs Engineering was awarded an extension to the Center Maintenance, Operations and Engineering contract at NASA's Langley Research Center in Hampton, Virginia. The contract extension is a one-year option and NASA estimates a potential value of $46M, bringing the total current value of the contract to $214M. The option begins this October and extends the period of performance through September 2019. Under this contract extension, Jacobs will continue providing facility-related intelligent asset management and operations and engineering support services.

07:08 EDT S.Y. Bancorp CFO Nancy Davis to retire - Stock Yards Bancorp announced that it will promote T. Clay Stinnett, to the position of CFO of Stock Yards Bancorp and Stock Yards Bank & Trust Company, effective May 1, 2019. His promotion reflects the decision by Nancy Davis, currently CFO, to retire from the Company on April 30, 2019. Stinnett currently serves as EVP and chief strategic officer of the company, focusing on strategic planning and corporate development, a position he has held since 2011. In this capacity, he oversees potential expansion, including new market opportunities and potential acquisitions, and evaluates the extension of the Company's product offerings. Stinnett also manages significant operating areas, several of which he will continue to oversee in addition to his new responsibilities as CFO.

07:02 EDT Cato Corp. authorizes increase in share repurchase program - The Cato Corporation announced that its Board of Directors has authorized an increase in the company's share repurchase program of 2M shares. Prior to this authorization, the company had approximately 19,000 shares remaining in open authorizations.

06:54 EDT Airbus appoints Michael Schollhorn COO for Airbus Commercial Aircraft - Airbus has appointed Michael Schollhorn, 53, as COO for Airbus Commercial Aircraft, effective 1 February 2019. Schollhorn, currently COO for BSH Home Appliances, will succeed Tom Williams, 66, who retires 31 December 2018 after 50 successful years in the aerospace industry, 19 of which were in top Airbus management positions. Michael Schollhorn will report to Guillaume Faury who will succeed Tom Enders as Airbus CEO following the shareholders Annual General Meeting on 10 April 2019. He will also become a Member of the Airbus Executive Committee. Reference Link

06:49 EDT Airbus appoints Dominik Asam as future CFO - In the context of the ongoing management transition process led by its Board of Directors, Airbus (EADSY) has appointed Dominik Asam, 49, to succeed Harald Wilhelm, 52, as CRO in April 2019. Asam, currently CFO of Munich-based Infineon Technologies (IFNNY), will join Airbus on 1 April 2019 ensuring a smooth handover with Harald Wilhelm, who remains in charge in his current role until the Annual General Meeting on 10 April 2019. As CFO, Dominik Asam will report to future CEO Guillaume Faury and become a Member of the Airbus Executive Committee. Reference Link

06:19 EDT Discover's Diners partners with Brazil's Elo to launch Elo Diners Club cards - Discover's subsidiary Diners Club International and Elo, a 100% Brazilian payment brand, will extend their partnership with the launch of Elo Diners Club International Cards in Brazil. Elo, whose shareholders are Banco do Brasil, Bradesco and Caixa Economica Federal - extends its partnership with Discover by adding the Diners Club brand to its card portfolio in Brazil. Diners Club Brazil cards, that are issued by Elo, will run on the Discover Global Network. The two companies have worked together since 2015. The first transaction from this deal occurred in 2016 and since then Elo has issued several million Elo Global Cards in the first two years.

06:15 EDT Deere sees FY19 CapEx approximately $1.15B - Up from $893M in FY18.

06:07 EDT Carlos Ghosn remains as Renault chairman, CEO - The company said, "The Board of Directors of Renault (RNSDF) held adopted transitional governance measures to preserve the interests of the Group and the continuity of its operations. The Board was chaired by the lead independent director Mr. Philippe Lagayette after the opening of judicial proceedings against Mr. Carlos Ghosn in Japan. At this stage, the Board is unable to comment on the evidence seemingly gathered against Mr. Ghosn by Nissan and the Japanese judicial authorities. Mr. Ghosn, temporarily incapacitated, remains Chairman and CEO The Board of Directors resolved to appoint Mr. Thierry Bollore on a temporary basis as Deputy CEO. Mr. Bollore will therefore lead the management team of the Group, having the same powers as Mr. Carlos Ghosn. During this period, the Board will meet on a regular basis under the chairmanship of the lead independent director to protect the interests of Renault and the sustainability of the Alliance. The Board decided to request Nissan (NSANY), on the basis of the principles of transparence, trust and mutual respect set forth in the Alliance Charter, to provide all information in their possession arising from the internal investigations related to Mr. Ghosn.The Board endorsed the support expressed by the Nissan management to the Renault Nissan Mitsubishi Alliance, which remains the priority of the Group." Reference Link

06:03 EDT Kimbell Royalty Partners announces $107.8M drop down acquisition - Kimbell Royalty Partners announced the purchase of certain oil and gas royalty assets from certain affiliated sellers for approximately $107.8M. The transaction is expected to close on or around December 20 and be immediately accretive to distributable cash flow per unit. The transaction includes diversified package of royalty interests with over 70% of production from premier resource plays, including the Eagle Ford Shale, Permian Basin, Appalachian Basin and Bakken Formation. The transaction adds approximately 16,700 net royalty acres, increasing Kimbell's total net royalty acre position by 15% to approximately 131,900 net royalty acres across the continental U.S.

05:28 EDT iQIYI announces DRM partnership with Google - iQIYI (IQ) announced that it is partnering with Google (GOOG) in the field of Digital Rights Management, or DRM, to incorporate Google's Widevine DRM technology into its Multi-DRM system, which has already earned recognition by ChinaDRM Lab, China's most prestigious DRM organization. iQIYI has been a consistent leader in the application of DRM in China, and is the first Chinese internet video platform to incorporate Google Widevine DRM on its platform for use on the Chrome browser. DRM technology is the system used globally to securely distribute content, and is widely deployed in the entertainment industry to protect film media and other IP. Google Widevine is the native DRM solution for the Google Chrome browser and Android platform. With a leading encryption system for secure distribution and protection of video playback on any consumer device, Widevine DRM is deployed by nearly every major online video service. iQIYI's use of Widevine DRM will enhance protection of licensed content on its platform, with the added benefit of allowing users accessing iQIYI via Chrome on both Windows and MacOS to enjoy a high-definition viewing experience.

05:21 EDT Navient CEO sends letter to holders in response to AP article - Navient released the following letter from Jack Remondi CEO, to company shareholders: "Today's article by the Associated Press continues the practice of ignoring facts to make false, sensational and harmful accusations that discourage borrowers from working with their servicers. Despite being in possession of the Federal Student Aid, or FSA, review and our account-by-account response, the article repeated a series of false accusations that are not found in any section of the review. A full reading of the report, our responses included in the report and comments provided by the U.S. Department of Education clearly and unequivocally refute the accusations that Navient was improperly steering borrowers. They also affirmatively conclude that in those instances where forbearance was used, it was applied appropriately. According to a Department of Education statement on the review: ...in approximately 9 percent of those calls, it was not clear whether Navient had sufficiently discussed options with the borrower. In response to FSA's preliminary conclusions, Navient provided detailed information about each of the calls at issue. Based on FSA's review of Navient's responses and FSA's independent review of Navient's overall performance, FSA has concluded that Navient is substantially in compliance with its obligations. The article also claims that the CFPB and others did not possess the report (though later it admits they did). In fact, the review has been in the hands of the CFPB and state AGs for nearly a year. One of the main claims is that enrolling borrowers in forbearance is an inappropriate and therefore deceptive practice. This conclusion is deceptive in itself and shows a lack of understanding of the different repayment options available to borrowers and how forbearance can be both a proper and lower cost option for borrowers. It also ignores the fact that the option of forbearance was authorized by Congress and no senator has initiated any bill to eliminate it as a valid option. A full reading of the review and our response makes it clear that we discussed options other than forbearance or that forbearance was the most appropriate option choice for the borrower. Navient provided these details to Senator Warren in a letter dated November 15, 2018. The letter, which we are releasing at navient.com/legalfacts in response to the Senator's press release makes clear that the accusations are false and misleading and are a blatant attempt to discredit the good work of my 6,000-plus dedicated colleagues. The Department of Education statement continued: Program data indicated that Navient's overall use of forbearance was consistent with that of other servicers, while the duration of forbearances for Navient borrowers was actually among the lowest of the Department's nine servicers. Navient also had among the highest take-up rates for income-driven repayment plans, as well as longer than average call durations in comparison to all servicers. The federal loan programs offer over 50 different repayment options. Some are designed for long-term challenges and others are designed to address short-term challenges. Contrary to some views, no single option is always best or always worst. It always depends on the borrowers' unique circumstances. The most expensive option is doing nothing and allowing the account to become delinquent and/or default. At Navient we help our customers select the option that best fits their needs. The results are crystal clear, borrowers serviced by Navient have the highest enrollment in income-driven repayment programs of all comparable servicers and are least likely to default. We are proud of these industry leading results and I am proud of the work our team does each and every day to assist borrowers. It is deeply sad that these false accusations are spread without facts to support them and, as a result, borrowers are discouraged from engaging with their services. Nevertheless, we will continue to provide quality service to help our customers succeed."

05:01 EDT DexCom, Alphabet's Verily amend collaboration and license agreement - DexCom (DXCM) and Verily, an Alphabet (GOOG, GOOGL) company, announced last night an amendment to their collaboration and license agreement surrounding the ongoing development efforts between the companies. "The revised terms are intended to reinforce the companies' mutual product development goals, while expanding options for future collaborations," said the companies. "The agreement also accelerates Dexcom's efforts to advance into the Type 2 diabetes space and improves its future profitability," they added. In consideration of Verily's performance of its obligations under the joint development plan, the licenses granted to Dexcom and the amendment of the original agreement, Dexcom will make an upfront payment, as well as potential future milestone payments upon the achievement of certain goals, as follows: Dexcom will make an initial payment of $250M in shares of its common stock. The issuance of shares of common stock is subject to customary closing conditions, including expiration of any waiting period under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Act, and, if these conditions are not met, Dexcom would be obligated to make this payment in cash; Additional milestone payments of up to $280M may become due and payable by Dexcom upon the achievement of future product launch and revenue milestones. Dexcom may make up to $275M of these milestone payments in shares of its common stock, subject to customary closing conditions. They companies added: "Agreement strengthens product development timelines for the second generation CGM system. Dexcom will continue to evaluate near-term opportunities for the first generation product, and the company's focus shifts to commercializing the second generation offering; Agreement structure increases synergy with Verily's Onduo franchise, where Dexcom will be the preferred CGM device supplier into Onduo's Type 2 diabetes management program."