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

18:28 EDT Keystone Bank to acquire Green Bank's Austin branch - Keystone Bank and Green Bank announced that the banks have entered into a purchase and assumption agreement pursuant to which Keystone Bank will acquire certain assets and deposits associated with Green Bank's Austin, Texas branch. Green Bank is the wholly owned subsidiary of Green Bancorp. The transaction is expected to close in the first quarter of 2019, subject to receipt of necessary regulatory approvals. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed. As part of the acquisition, Keystone Bank will gain a new branch just west of downtown Austin, at 1717 W. 6th St.

18:16 EDT Lockheed Martin wins $1.8B contract for PAC-3 missiles - The United States and allied military forces will upgrade their missile defense capabilities under a $1.8B contract for production and delivery of Lockheed Martin Patriot Advanced Capability-3 and PAC-3 Missile Segment Enhancement interceptors. The contract includes deliveries for the U.S. Army and Foreign Military Sales of PAC-3 and PAC-3 MSE interceptors, launcher modification kits and associated equipment.

18:04 EDT Huntington Ingalls awarded over $930M to build two Coast Guard Cutters - Huntington Ingalls Industries' Ingalls Shipbuilding division has received two fixed-price incentive contracts from the U.S. Coast Guard to build two additional National Security Cutters for the U.S. Coast Guard. The contract values for the a 10th and 11th ships in the program are $468.75M for NSC 10 and $462.13M for NSC 11.

17:44 EDT Boeing awarded $240.20M Missile Defense Agency contract - Boeing has been awarded a five-year, sole-source, cost-plus-award-fee contract. The total value of this contract is $240.20M. Under this follow-on contract, the contractor will provide the Missile Defense Agency support by performing technical systems engineering and integration requirements related to the ballistic missile defense system. The work will be performed in Huntsville, Alabama. The period of performance is from December 15, through December 14, 2023. One offer was solicited and one offer was received. FY19 research, development, test and evaluation funds will be used to incrementally fund this award in the amount of $54.9M. The Missile Defense Agency is the contracting activity.

17:41 EDT Raytheon wins $693M production contract for Sweden's Patriot - Raytheon has won a $692.9 million U.S. Army contract to produce Sweden's Patriot Integrated Air and Missile Defense System including spare parts, support and training. Previously announced by the Department of Defense, the contract calls for Raytheon to build and deliver an undisclosed quantity of Patriot fire units and GEM-T interceptor missiles.

17:36 EDT Lockheed Martin awarded $462M Air Force contract - Lockheed Martin has been awarded a $462M indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract for global positioning systems control-segment sustainment II. The contract provides depot-level software maintenance, organizational-level hardware and software maintenance; support to and integration of GPS acquisition category III programs onto the operational control system platform; systems engineering; Technical Order Management Agency support; maintenance and sustainment of the consolidated test environment; and non-recurring engineering and studies, as required. Work will be performed in Colorado Springs, Colorado, is expected to be completed by December 31, 2025. This award is the result of a sole-source acquisition and one offer was received. FY19 operations and maintenance funds in the amount of $41.52M are being obligated at the time of award. Space and Missile Systems Center is the contracting activity.

17:30 EDT Vectrus awarded $127.45 Army contract modification - Vectrus was awarded a $127.45M modification to a contract for Kuwait base operations and security support services. Work will be performed in Camp Arifjan, Kuwait, with an estimated completion date of March 28, 2019. FY19 operations and maintenance Army funds in the amount of $127,45M were obligated at the time of the award. U.S. Army Contracting Command is the contracting activity.

17:26 EDT CorEnergy sells Portland terminal to Zenith Energy - CorEnergy Infrastructure Trust announced that it sold its Portland Terminal Facility and its remaining interest in the Joliet Terminal to Zenith Energy Terminals Holdings for an aggregate consideration of $61M.

17:16 EDT Lockheed Martin awarded $3.38B Army contract - Lockheed Martin was awarded a $3.38B fixed-price-incentive foreign military sales contract to produce hased array tracking radar to intercept on target advanced capability-3 missiles with associated ground support equipment and initial spares. One bid was solicited with one bid received. Work will be performed in Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Massachusetts and Texas, with an estimated completion date of December 31, 2024. FY19 other procurement Army funds in the amount of $1.81B were obligated at the time of the award. U.S. Army Contracting Command is the contracting activity.

17:07 EDT Aeterna Zentaris settles dispute with former officers for $775,000 payment - Aeterna Zentaris has settled its previously disclosed litigation in South Carolina and Canada with former officers of the company, David Dodd and Philip Theodore. As part of that settlement, the company has agreed to make a settlement payment to Dodd in the amount of $775,000.

16:50 EDT Adage Capital Partners reports 5.88% passive stake in Under Armour - In a regulatory filing, Adage Capital Partners disclosed a 5.88% stake in Under Armour, representing over 11M shares. The filing does not allow for activism.

16:32 EDT CapStar Financial announces $8M share repurchase program - CapStar Financial Holdings, Inc. announced that its board of directors has authorized the repurchase of up to $8M of the company's outstanding shares of common stock. Repurchases of the company's common stock will be made in accordance with applicable laws and may be made at management's discretion from time to time in the open market, through privately negotiated transactions or otherwise. The repurchase program will remain in effect until December 31, 2021 unless the maximum authorized dollar amount of shares of common stock has been repurchased before that date. The company intends to fund the repurchase program with a combination of cash on hand and cash generated from operations.

16:31 EDT Viking Global Investors reports 5.2% passive stake in Moderna - In a regulatory filing, Viking Global Investors disclosed a 5.2% stake in Moderna, which represents over 17M shares. The filing does not allow for activism.

16:17 EDT AMCON Distributing announces 28c per share special dividend - AMCON Distributing announced that the board of directors of AMCON declared a special cash dividend of 28c per common share. This cash dividend is payable on January 29, 2019 to shareholders of record as of January 7, 2019. At the same time, the board replenished the number of shares authorized for repurchase under AMCON's existing common stock repurchase program. The program provides for the purchase of up to 75,000 shares of AMCON's common stock; the shares may be purchased from time to time in open market or negotiated transactions.

16:09 EDT Histogenics suspends NeoCart development, to evaluate strategic alternatives - Histogenics provided an update on the NeoCart regulatory pathway based on discussions with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Based on the feedback received from the FDA, while the NeoCart Phase 3 clinical trial resulted in "certain compelling data," the FDA indicated that an additional clinical trial would need to be completed before it would accept a submission of a Biologics License Application, or BLA, for NeoCart. "The FDA indicated receptivity to novel clinical trial methodologies and regenerative medicine advanced therapy designations in order to support additional data for a future potential submission. However, considering the time and funding required to conduct such a trial, Histogenics expects to suspend the development of NeoCart and does not plan to submit a BLA at this time," the company said. In connection with this outcome, Histogenics intends to implement a restructuring plan to reduce costs and has engaged Canaccord Genuity to evaluate the full range of potential strategic alternatives to maximize value for stakeholders, which includes, but is not limited to, acquisitions, business combinations, joint ventures, public and private capital raises, recapitalization, and sale transaction options, including a sale of assets or intellectual property. "Since these efforts may not be successful and in light of its limited cash reserves Histogenics is considering all possible alternatives, including restructuring activities, a wind-down of operations, or seek chapter 11 bankruptcy protection to complete or execute a restructuring transaction or liquidation," the company said. Histogenics has also determined not to proceed at this time with its earlier plans to conduct a stockholder meeting to increase its authorized shares and a reverse split, for which it had filed a preliminary proxy statement with the Securities Exchange Commission on October 18, 2018.

16:07 EDT Histogenics suspends NeoCart development, to implement restructuring plan

16:05 EDT Aimmune submits AR101 BLA to FDA for treatment of peanut allergy - Aimmune announced that it has submitted a biologics license application, or BLA, to the FDA for AR101, an investigational biologic oral immunotherapy for the treatment of peanut allergy in children and adolescents ages four through 17. The FDA granted AR101 fast track designation for peanut allergy in September 2014 and breakthrough therapy designation for peanut allergy in ages 4-17 in June 2015. Aimmune's BLA submission includes data from the pivotal Phase 3 PALISADE trial of AR101, the PALISADE follow-on trial ARC004 and the Phase 3 RAMSES trial, which confirmed that the safety profile of AR101 was consistent with that observed in the PALISADE trial; as well as extensive data on AR101 chemistry, manufacturing and controls. Under the Prescription Drug User Fee Act, a priority review would target a review time of six months, compared to a standard review time of 10 months. FDA informs the applicant of a priority review designation within 60 days of a BLA submission.

16:00 EDT Borqs Technologies Inc trading resumes

15:52 EDT Peter J. Abrahamson reports 6.5% passive stake in Sigmatron International - In a regulatory filing, Peter J. Abrahamson disclosed a 6.5% stake in Sigmatron International, which represens 275,000 shares. The filing does not allow for activism.

15:44 EDT FTC requests comment on application from Linde to sell plant to LyondellBasell - The Federal Trade Commission is currently accepting public comments on an application from industrial gas suppliers Praxair and Linde AG (LIN) to divest a hydrogen gas and carbon monoxide gas plant to LyondellBasell Industries (LYB). The divestiture of the plant is required under the FTC's October 22, 2018 proposed order, which requires Praxair and Linde to divest certain industrial gases assets to settle charges that the $80B merger of Praxair and Linde would violate federal antitrust law.

15:05 EDT Riverview Bancorp increases dividend to 4c per share - Riverview Bancorp announced its board of directors approved an increase in its quarterly cash dividend to 4c per share. The dividend will be payable January 22, 2019, to shareholders of record January 8, 2019.

14:44 EDT JD.com shares rise after WSJ says founder won't be charged in sex assualt case - Shares of JD.com are moving higher in late day trading after The Wall Street Journal reported that the company's founder, Liu Qiandong, will not be charged following allegations of sexual assault were made against him. JD.com shares are up 4% to $20.72 following the headlines from the report.

14:03 EDT United Technologies division lands service agreement with Binter Canaries - Pratt & Whitney, a division of United Technologies Corp., announced that Binter Canarias signed an EngineWise Comprehensive service agreement. The agreement will cover Binter Canarias' fleet of three Embraer E195-E2 aircraft powered by Pratt & Whitney Geared Turbofan PW1900G engines. It also includes the purchase of one PW1900G spare engine.

14:01 EDT Briggs & Stratton reports Exmark awarded $28.8M in damages by court - In a regulatory filing, Briggs & Stratton noted that on December 18, 2018, a jury verdict was returned in the patent lawsuit filed by Exmark Manufacturing Company on May 12, 2010 against Briggs & Stratton Power Products Group, a wholly owned subsidiary of the company that was merged with and into the company on January 1, 2017. As disclosed in the company's Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2018, Exmark's lawsuit alleged that certain Ferris and Snapper Pro mower decks infringed an Exmark mower deck patent. The company and BSPPG strongly disagreed with the jury's original verdict, certain rulings made before and during the original trial, and the district court's post-trial rulings. As a result, BSPPG appealed to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit on several bases. The appellate court held a hearing on that appeal on April 5, 2017 and issued its decision on January 12, 2018. The appellate court found that the district court erred in granting summary judgment concerning the patent's validity and remanded that issue to the district court for reconsideration. The appellate court also vacated the jury's damages award and the district court's award of enhanced damages, remanding the case to the district court for a new trial on damages and reconsideration of willfulness. The appellate court affirmed the district court rulings in all other respects. In subsequent rulings, the district court reaffirmed the validity of Exmark's patent and its original ruling on willfulness. A new trial on the issue of damages commenced on December 10, 2018, resulting in a damages assessment by the jury of $14.4M. On December 20, 2018, the district court entered judgment against the company and in favor of Exmark in the amount of $14.4M in compensatory damages, an additional $14.4M in enhanced damages, as well as pre-judgment interest, post-judgment interest and costs to be determined. "The company strongly disagrees with the verdict and certain rulings made before and during the new trial and intends to vigorously pursue its rights through post-trial motions and, if necessary, on appeal," said Briggs & Stratton in the filing. "As of September 30, 2018, the Company had not accrued any liability in its financial statements for this lawsuit...At the present time, the Company does not anticipate that it will accrue any amounts in its financial statements for the quarter ending December 30, 2018 related to this matter," the filing added.

13:16 EDT Ebix delays stock split after selloff, sees buybacks as 'highly accretive' - Ebix provided an update on its share repurchases and the proposed stock split. Ebix announced that its shareholders have approved "by a wide margin" an increase in the company's authorized shares to 220M from 120M. Approval for the increase in authorized shares was required to provide a sufficient number of authorized shares to effectuate a split of Ebix's common stock approved by the company's said, Ebix said in a statement. It adds, "While Ebix still intends to implement a split of its common stock, in light of the decline in Ebix's share price since the end of September, the Company has elected to delay such action until its share price has rebounded to a level where a stock split would result in a higher post-split share price. Additionally, the Company may consider implementing an alternative stock split ratio, such as two-, three- or four-for one, depending on the prevailing share price, market conditions and other factors." Ebix also issued an update on its share repurchase plan while declaring that since October 1, it has repurchased 966,773 shares of its outstanding common stock for an aggregate amount of $47.4M. Based on these repurchases as of today, Ebix expects its diluted share count for Q1 2019 to be approximately 30.65M. CEO Robin Raina said, "Despite Ebix's excellent long-term outlook and strong operating performance, including record third quarter revenue and operating cash flow, we have experienced a substantial decrease in our market value over the past few months. As a result of the share price decline, the Board is delaying action on a stock split until further notice and also considering other possible ratios. Further, we believe Ebix's current share price does not adequately reflect the company's current or future value and therefore presents a very attractive opportunity to pursue opportunistic share repurchases. From our past experiences, we have learned that the positive side of share price volatility is the opportunity it can provide to execute accretive share repurchases that help build long-term shareholder value. We see share repurchases as highly accretive for our EPS and shareholders, and thus intend to keep buying our own stock back, with the intent of retiring the stock and reducing our diluted share count."

13:13 EDT Ebix delays stock split in light of selloff since September

13:03 EDT Baker Hughes reports U.S. rig count up 9 to 1,080 rigs - Baker Hughes reports that the U.S. rig count is up 9 rigs from last week to 1,080, with oil rigs up 10 to 883 and gas rigs down 1 to 197. The U.S. Rig Count is up 149 rigs from last year's count of 931, with oil rigs up 136 and gas rigs up 13. The U.S. Offshore Rig Count is up 1 rig to 24 and up 5 rigs year-over-year. The Canada Rig Count is down 43 rigs from last week to 131, with oil rigs down 37 to 58 and gas rigs down 6 to 73. The Canada Rig Count is down 79 rigs from last year's count of 210, with oil rigs down 62 and gas rigs down 17.

12:39 EDT Precigen announces clearance of IND to initiate Phase 1/1b study for PRGN-3006 - Precigen, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Intrexon Corporation, announced that the US Food and Drug Administration has cleared the Investigational New Drug application for PRGN-3006, a first-in-class investigational therapy using Precigen's UltraCAR-Tplatform. PRGN-3006 UltraCAR-T is an autologous chimeric antigen receptor T-cell therapy for treatment of patients with relapsed or refractory acute myeloid leukemia and higher risk myelodysplastic syndrome. PRGN-3006 utilizes Precigen's transformative UltraCAR-T platform, which reduces manufacturing time to less than two days following non-viral gene transfer. PRGN-3006 UltraCAR-T is a multigenic CAR-T cell treatment utilizing Precigen's clinically-validated Sleeping Beauty system to co-express chimeric antigen receptor, membrane-bound interleukin-15, and a kill switch for better precision and control in targeting relapsed or refractory AML and higher risk MDS. This first-in-human Phase 1 dose escalation study to evaluate the safety and maximal tolerated dose of PRGN-3006 UltraCAR-T will be conducted in collaboration with Moffitt Cancer Center.

12:35 EDT Lamar expects to increase distribution payments 5.2% in 2019 - Lamar, subject to the approval of its board, announced that it expects to make regular quarterly distributions to stockholders in 2019 in an aggregate amount of $3.84 per share, a 5.2% increase over aggregate distributions paid or to be paid in 2018 of $3.65.

12:04 EDT Bank of the James announces stock repurchase program up to 75,000 shares - Bank of the James Financial Group announced that the Board of Directors of the Company has authorized a stock repurchase program whereby the Company is authorized to buy up to 75,000 shares of its common stock. As of December 20, 2018, the Company had 4,378,436 shares of common stock outstanding. The stock repurchase program will begin on December 21, 2018 and will expire on the earlier of December 20, 2019, the date on which the maximum aggregate number of shares authorized to be repurchased has been repurchased, or after written notice by the broker or the Company as specified in the program. The shares will be repurchased in open market transactions through brokers, subject to availability. Because repurchases made under the program are subject to SEC regulations as well as certain constraints specified in the program, there is no guarantee as to when repurchases may occur or the total number of shares that will be repurchased.

12:00 EDT Townsquare Media falls -10.7% - Townsquare Media is down -10.7%, or -51c to $4.27.

12:00 EDT GeoPark rises 7.2% - GeoPark is up 7.2%, or 85c to $12.68.

12:00 EDT CARBO Ceramics rises 12.0% - CARBO Ceramics is up 12.0%, or 36c to $3.35.

11:48 EDT Farmers & Merchants raises quarterly cash dividend 7.1% to 15c per share - The Board of Directors of Farmers & Merchants Bancorp announced that it has approved a 7.1% increase in the company's quarterly dividend payment. The new cash dividend has been raised to 15c per share from the previous dividend of 14c and represents the second increase to the quarterly cash dividend this year. The fourth-quarter dividend is payable on January 20, 2019, to shareholders of record as of December 31, 2018.

11:40 EDT Stars Group trading resumes

11:31 EDT Pfizer says $900M termination fee payable if GSK shareholders don't approve deal - In a regulatory filing, Pfizer (PFE) offered additional details regarding the stock and asset purchase agreement with GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) to sell the assets and liabilities constituting its worldwide consumer healthcare business to a consumer healthcare business joint venture in exchange for ordinary shares representing 32% of the share capital of the joint venture. GSK will retain a 68% equity interest in the joint venture. The consummation of the transaction is subject to customary closing conditions, including the approval of GSK's shareholders pursuant to U.K. law and the receipt of required antitrust approvals. Each party is required under the purchase agreement to take all actions necessary to obtain such required antitrust approvals. The purchase agreement contains certain termination rights for both Pfizer and GSK, including the right to terminate the agreement if the transaction is not consummated by September 30, 2019, subject to extension by either party to March 31, 2020 in certain circumstances. In addition, in the event that Pfizer terminates the purchase agreement in connection with a failure to obtain GSK shareholder approval or an adverse change of recommendation of the GSK board of directors, then GSK will be required to pay Pfizer a termination fee of $900M in cash, the filing stated.

11:14 EDT BP agrees on FID for Phase 1 of Greater Tortue Ahmeyim development - BP and partners announced that the Final Investment Decision for Phase 1 of the innovative cross-border Greater Tortue Ahmeyim development has been agreed. The decision was made following agreement between the Mauritanian and Senegalese governments and partners BP, Kosmos Energy and National Oil Companies Petrosen and SMHPM. The Greater Tortue Ahmeyim project will produce gas from an ultra-deepwater subsea system and mid-water floating production, storage and offloading vessel, which will process the gas, removing heavier hydrocarbon components. The gas will then be transferred to a floating liquefied natural gas facility at an innovative nearshore hub located on the Mauritania and Senegal maritime border. The FLNG facility is designed to provide circa 2.5 million tonnes of LNG per annum on average, with the total gas resources in the field estimated to be around 15 trillion cubic feet. The project, the first major gas project to reach FID in the basin, is planned to provide LNG for global export as well as making gas available for domestic use in both Mauritania and Senegal. The parties will continue to finalise agreements and obtain final regulatory and contract approvals, following which Phase 1 of the development will move into a detailed design and construction phase, with award of engineering, procurement, construction and installation (EPCI) contracts. Project execution activities are expected to commence in 1Q 2019. First gas for the project is expected in 2022. Following a competitive process involving all partners, BP Gas Marketing has been selected as the sole buyer for the investor partners' LNG offtake for Tortue Phase 1.

11:08 EDT The Stars Group announces reversal of $870M Kentucky judgement - The Stars Group announced that the Kentucky Court of Appeals has ruled in its favor and reversed in its entirety the $870M judgment issued against it by a trial court judge in December 2015. The Court of Appeals stated "[a]llowing a complaint, like the one put forth by the Commonwealth, to move forward would lead to an absurd, unjust result." The litigation that is subject to the appeal was initially filed by the Commonwealth of Kentucky in 2010, approximately four years prior to The Stars Group's acquisition of the PokerStars business, and sought recovery of alleged losses by Kentucky residents who played real-money poker on PokerStars' website during a period between 2006 and 2011. To bring the action, Kentucky relied on a centuries old statute that was intended to allow individuals who incurred gaming losses to bring an action against their winning opponents, but was never intended to authorize the Commonwealth to sue and collect such losses from the operator of the games for the Commonwealth's own benefit. As a result of the ruling, The Stars Group intends to petition for the release of the $100 Msupersedeas bond posted by it to stay enforcement of the trial court's order during the pendency of the appeals process, which includes $5M in cash collateral and $65M in letters of credit securing the same. As previously disclosed, approximately $300M continues to be held in an indemnity escrow fund established under the merger agreement governing The Stars Group's acquisition of the PokerStars business. The Stars Group previously filed an indemnification claim relating to the Kentucky litigation, which is currently pending against the sellers of the PokerStars business, for all losses, costs and expenses related to the litigation. This claim and the release of the outstanding escrow funds will be resolved in accordance with the provisions of the merger and escrow agreements related to the acquisition. The Stars Group expects the Commonwealth to either petition the Court of Appeals for a rehearing or seek discretionary review of the Court of Appeals decision by the Kentucky Supreme Court and intends to vigorously dispute any and all liability in the event the Kentucky Supreme Court grants review and hears the appeal.

10:48 EDT Donna Millar reports 12% passive stake in Alpha Pro Tech - In a regulatory filing, Donna Millar disclosed a 12% stake in Alpha Pro Tech, which represents over 1.6M shares. The filing does not allow for activism.

10:26 EDT FDA approves Stemline's Elzonris infusion for BPDCN treatment

10:11 EDT FDA approves Alexion's Ultomiris to treat PNH - The FDA posted on its website that it approved Ultomiris, Alexion Pharmaceuticals' treatment of paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria. Reference Link

10:10 EDT Foot Locker jumps after Nike report, analyst comments - Shares of athletic shoes and apparel retailer Foot Locker (FL) jumped in morning trading after Nike (NKE) reported better than expected sales and earnings last night and raised its constant currency sales and gross margin guidance for the fiscal year. Pivotal Research analyst Mitch Kummetz said the "real story" is Nike's market share gains, especially as the company continues to scale its "best new and iconic franchises. BUY FOOT LOCKER ON NIKE'S SALES REBOUND: Jefferies analyst Janine Stichter recommended buying Foot Locker on Nike's "resurging" North America business. Nike's "strong" fiscal Q2 last night pointed to top-line momentum continuing to build, most notably in North America, where 9% constant currency growth accelerated from 6% in Q1, Stichter told investors in a research note. Given the nearly 80% correlation between Nike North America sales and Foot Locker same-store-sales, the accelerating fundamentals are a "clear positive" for Foot Locker, said the analyst. Stichter maintained a Buy rating on Foot Locker with a $62 price target. PRICE ACTION: Foot Locker is up 4.3% to $49.94 in morning trading, while Nike is up 8%. Additionally, Dick's Sporting Goods (DKS) is up nearly 1%, while adidas (ADDYY) is up fractionally.

10:03 EDT FDA approves Alexion PNH treatment ultomiris, Bloomberg reports

09:47 EDT ORIX Corp falls -4.4% - ORIX Corp is down -4.4%, or -$3.21 to $69.15.

09:47 EDT Perrigo falls -16.2% - Perrigo is down -16.2%, or -$8.48 to $43.88.

09:47 EDT GeoPark rises 2.7% - GeoPark is up 2.7%, or 32c to $12.15.

09:31 EDT B.O.S. Better Online unit receives $1.2M order from existing customer in India - B.O.S. Better Online Solutions announced that its Supply Chain Division has received a $1.2M order from an existing customer, an electronics manufacturer, in India. The order is for electronic components and is expected to be delivered during the years 2019 and 2020.

09:26 EDT EU commercial vehicle registrations up 2.7% in November - In November, EU demand for commercial vehicles grew 2.7%, though this was a slower pace than in October, according to the European Automobile Manufacturers Association. Growth was mostly supported by the van segment, while registrations of new trucks and buses remained steady, the group said. Publicly traded truck makers and suppliers include Daimler AG (DDAIF), Paccar (PCAR), CNH Industrial (CNHI), Navistar (NAV), Cummins (CMI) and Allison Transmission (ALSN).

09:11 EDT Obalon Therapeutics receives FDA approval for Obalon Navigation System - Obalon Therapeutics announced that it has received approval from the FDA for the Obalon Navigation System, which eliminates the need to use x-ray when placing the Obalon Balloon System. The Obalon Navigation System utilizes magnetic resonance, rather than x-ray radiation, to image the Obalon Balloon during placement and displays a dynamic, real-time image of the Balloon on a notebook computer screen. The Obalon Navigation System will be utilized in conjunction with the new, automated touch inflation dispenser and together they are intended to make placement of the Obalon Balloon more reliable, safer, easier and less expensive. The company expects to make the Obalon Navigation System and touch inflation dispenser commercially available during Q1 of 2019 in the United States.

09:08 EDT Bombardier receives $378M order for 47 Francilien train sets - Bombardier has received an order for 47 Francilien train sets, or 334 cars, from the French national railway corporation, Societe nationale des chemins de fer francais, or SNCF, on behalf of the Greater Paris public transport authority. The order, a call off from a contract signed in 2006 with SNCF for a maximum of 372 trains, is valued at approximately $378M. These trains, entirely financed by Ile-de-France Mobilites, 42 seven-car train sets and five eight-car train sets, will be rolled out on lines L, J and P on the SNCF Transilien network to continue modernizing the fleet. With this order, the 360 Francilien train fleet will be the largest rail series in Ile-de-France.

09:05 EDT Editas Medicine CFO Andrew Hack to step down - Editas Medicine announced that its CFO, Andrew Hack, will be stepping down from the company, effective March 1, 2019, to return to the investment industry. A search is underway to find a successor to Hack.

09:04 EDT CytRx announces conclusion of pre-clinical phase for LADR drug candidates - CytRx Corporation announced that its private, wholly-owned subsidiary Centurion BioPharma Corporation has concluded the pre-clinical phase of its development for its albumin binding ultra high potency LADR drug candidates, LADR-7, LADR-8, LADR-9 and LADR-10, and for its unique albumin companion diagnostic. As a result of completing this work, operations taking place at the pre-clinical laboratory located in Freiburg, Germany will no longer be needed. The LADR platform combines Centurion's proprietary linker chemistry with albumin biology to create anti-cancer molecules that the Company believes will deliver highly potent agents directly to the tumor, while avoiding unacceptable systemic toxicity. The pre-clinical laboratory synthesized and evaluated over 75 rationally-designed drug conjugates across two distinct classes of compounds, the auristatins and maytansinoids. In vitro, in vivo, stability and manufacturing feasibility testing is now complete for all four lead LADR candidates as well for ACDx. The pre-clinical stage dossiers for all of these assets are now complete and are ready for transfer to a strategic partner.

09:03 EDT Nike names G. Scott Uzzell CEO of Converse - Nike (NKE) announced that effective Jan. 22, 2019, G. Scott Uzzell will become President & CEO of Converse. Uzzell comes to Converse from Coca-Cola (KO) where he most recently served as President, Venturing & Emerging Brands Group. Uzzell joins Converse at an exciting time as the brand sets the stage to move into new spaces by reconnecting to its heritage in sport.

09:02 EDT LendingTree to acquire Value Holding for $105M - LendingTree announced that it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Value Holding, the parent company of ValuePenguin.com, a personal finance website that offers consumers objective analysis on a variety of financial topics from insurance to credit cards. The acquisition has a total consideration of $105M paid in cash at closing, subject to customary adjustments. The acquisition is expected to close in the first quarter of 2019 subject to customary closing conditions. LendingTree intends to fund the acquisition through cash on hand and by drawing on its existing credit agreement. For the nine months ended September 30, 2018, ValuePenguin generated approximately $12.5M in revenue and $9M in adjusted EBITDA. LendingTree expects the acquisition to be immediately accretive to 2019 adjusted earnings per share.

08:59 EDT Illinois Tool Works receives mini-tender offer by TRC capital to buy 1M shares - Illinois Tool Works has been notified of an unsolicited mini-tender offer by TRC Capital to purchase up to 1M shares of ITW common stock, representing approximately 0.30% of the outstanding shares of ITW common stock. TRC's offer price of $125.00 per share was approximately 4.6% lower than the closing price per share of ITW common stock on December 14, the last trading day before the commencement of the offer. ITW does not endorse TRC's unsolicited mini-tender offer and is not associated in any way with TRC, its mini-tender offer or its mini-tender offer documents. ITW recommends that stockholders not tender their shares in response to TRC's offer, or, if stockholders have already tendered shares, that they withdraw their shares by providing the written notice described in the TRC mini-tender offer documents prior to the expiration of the offer, currently scheduled for January 17, 2019, because it was commenced at a below-market offer price, is highly conditional and is not subject to important investor protections. Mini-tender offers, such as TRC's offer, are not subject to many of the disclosure and procedural requirements afforded to larger tender offers under the rules of the SEC.

08:49 EDT xG Technology announces over $400,000 in orders from law enforcement agencies - xG Technology announced that its IMT Vislink business has received orders valued at over $400,000 for high-definition airborne video downlink system, or AVDS, equipment and related services from law enforcement agencies located in Southern California and Washington State. The IMT Vislink AVDS includes an integrated suite of downlink transmitters, receivers and antennas. The system is purpose-built to capture real-time, reliable high-definition video from helicopters and other aircraft for display at emergency operation centers, mobile command units and on smartphones via cellular and Wi-Fi networks.

08:48 EDT Ford recalling 874,000 vehicles in North America for fire risks - Ford is issuing a recall for select 2015-19 F-150 and 2017-19 Super Duty vehicles equipped with engine block heaters. Water and contaminants can intrude into the block heater cable's splice connector causing corrosion and damage to the cable over time. Prolonged corrosion in the cable splice connector can cause a short, make the engine block heater inoperable, and/or trip household breakers or GFCI-equipped outlets while the vehicle is parked and the block heater is plugged in.The risk to safety only exists while the vehicle is parked and the block heater cable is plugged into an electrical outlet. Ford is aware of three fires originating from the engine block heater cable splice connector, and minor property damage reported in one incident. Ford is not aware of any accidents or injuries tied to this. Affected vehicles include: 2015-19 F-150 vehicles built at Dearborn Truck Plant between March 18, 2014 and Nov. 17, 2018 and at Kansas City Assembly Plant between Aug. 21, 2014 and Nov. 17, 2018. 2017-19 Super Duty vehicles built at Ohio Assembly Plant between Feb. 5, 2016 and Nov. 17, 2018 and at Kentucky Truck Plant between Oct. 8, 2015 and Nov. 17, 2018. There are approximately 874,000 vehicles that are affected in North America, with 410,289 in the United States and federal territories and 463,793 in Canada.

08:40 EDT PepsiCo announces retirement of North America CEO Albert Carey - PepsiCo,announced that Albert Carey, CEO, PepsiCo North America, will retire at the end of March 2019 after nearly four decades at PepsiCo. Vivek Sankaran, who currently serves as president and COO of Frito-Lay North America, will now become its CEO, and Kirk Tanner, who currently serves as president and COO of North America Beverages, will become its CEO.

08:36 EDT Therapix Biosciences terminates FSD acquisition LOI - Therapix Bioscience announces that the Company has delivered notice of termination to FSD Pharma under the previously announced binding letter of intent dated October 22, 2018 for the acquisition of the Company by FSD. FSD proposed to modify material terms of the Transaction established by the LOI. The board of directors of the Company does not believe it will come to agreement on revised terms. Therefore, the Board has determined that it is in the best interests of the Company to terminate the LOI. Pursuant to the notice provisions of the LOI and the Company's notice of termination, the LOI will terminate December 26, 2018.

08:25 EDT Lamb Weston acquires Marvel Packers, terms not disclosed - Lamb Weston announced that it has acquired Marvel Packers, a frozen potato processor in Australia. Terms were not disclosed. Marvel operates frozen potato processing and storage facilities in Hallam, Victoria. The Marvel facility adds approximately 50 million pounds of production capacity to Lamb Weston's existing global manufacturing network. Including the newly-acquired Hallam facility, Lamb Weston will own and operate 16 processing facilities worldwide, and an additional 9 facilities in conjunction with its joint venture partners.

08:14 EDT TRACON Pharmaceuticals announces TRAXAR trial did not meet primary endpoint - TRACON Pharmaceuticals announced that its Phase 2 TRAXAR trial evaluating TRC105 in combination with Inlyta in patients with advanced or metastatic renal cell carcinoma did not meet the primary endpoint of improving progression free survival, or PFS, in the intent to treat population compared to Inlyta monotherapy. Prespecified statistical analyses of PFS according to expression of two plasma biomarkers, TGF receptor III and osteopontin, also did not achieve statistical significance. The safety profile observed in TRAXAR was consistent with that observed in previously reported studies of TRC105 in combination with VEGF inhibitors. TRACON will work with investigators to appropriately conclude the study in a manner consistent with the best interests of each patient. Data from this study will be analyzed and submitted for presentation at an upcoming scientific congress.

08:02 EDT MMA Capital announces asset sale to raise capital for energy lending investment - MMA Capital Management announced a series of transactions that were entered into for the purpose of making more capital available to fund its renewable lending investments. In particular, MMAC reduced its investment in the leveraged bond portfolio through the termination of 15 total return swap agreements that had a total notional amount of $102.6M and sold one multi-family tax-exempt bond and one subordinate certificate interest in a multi-family tax-exempt bond. In addition, the Company terminated a pay-fixed interest rate swap agreement that had a notional amount of $65M. Upon settlement of all of these transactions, which will have a minimal net impact on common shareholders' equity, the Company will receive $14.1M, plus accrued interest. The portion of such net proceeds that is attributable to the Company's TRS and other bond interests reflects the realization of a 5.0% premium above the unpaid principal balance of such TRS and bond interests. The Company also expects to complete at least two additional dispositions from its leveraged bond portfolio in January 2019 as part of the planned redeployment of capital. These transactions are further discussed in the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on December 21, 2018.

07:36 EDT BeyondSpring announces Plinabulin patent issued by USPTO - BeyondSpring announced that the United States Patent and Trademark Office, or USPTO, has issued the company U.S. Patent Number 10,155,748 related to a new composition of matter of BeyondSpring's lead asset, Plinabulin. This composition of matter patent is directed to Plinabulin's monohydrate in a crystalline form and provides patent protection in the U.S. until 2036. Lan Huang, CEO and co-founder of BeyondSpring, is a co-inventor of the patent. Counterpart patent applications are pending in 24 other jurisdictions around the world, including Europe, Japan and China.

07:34 EDT Exemplar Genetics, Mayo Clinic launch JV for human liver cell development - Exemplar Genetics, a subsidiary of Intrexon, and Mayo Clinic have launched a joint venture focused on the development of a high quality source of human liver cells or hepatocytes. The new company, Cytotheryx, headquartered in Rochester, Minnesota, will leverage the expertise and experience of Exemplar Genetics with the capabilities of Mayo Clinic's researchers to deliver this much-needed resource. Human hepatocytes are necessary for drug toxicology studies, hepatitis virus research and gene therapy testing. Further, there are opportunities to utilize cells in liver assist devices and allotransplantation to treat acute liver failure. HHCs do not grow in culture and are derived primarily from human cadaver donors, which cannot provide the quality and volume essential to meet the various demands for these cells. Cytotheryx, utilizing technology developed at Mayo Clinic and the expertise of Exemplar Genetics, will provide a consistent source of high quality hepatocytes to address patient needs and market shortcomings. The market opportunity for HHCs utilized for research is estimated to be $250M annually and is in excess of $1B for FDA approved applications. Exemplar Genetics will be a significant shareholder in Cytotheryx and will provide business and technical resources for the company. Mayo Clinic and Dr. Joseph Lillegard have financial interest in the technology referenced in this press release. Mayo Clinic will use any revenue it receives to support its not-for-profit mission in patient care, education and research.

07:33 EDT Bovie Medical files 510(k) submission with FDA for J-Plasma/Renuvion - Bovie Medical announced a Premarket Notification 510(K) submission to the FDA for a new indication for J-Plasma/Renuvion for use in dermal resurfacing procedures.

07:23 EDT Credit Suisse, UBS warned by Fed, FDIC of deficiencies in living wills - The Federal Reserve Board and the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation on Thursday announced that the resolution plans of four foreign-based banks had weaknesses, but did not have "deficiencies," which are weaknesses severe enough to result in additional prudential requirements if not corrected. The agencies determined that the plans of the four firms--Barclays (BCS), Credit Suisse (CS), Deutsche Bank (DB), and UBS (UBS)--have "shortcomings," which are less severe weaknesses that require additional work in their next plan. These shortcomings in the four firms' plans include weaknesses in how each firm communicates and coordinates between its U.S. operations and its foreign parent in stress. Credit Suisse also had a shortcoming related to estimating the liquidity needs of its U.S. intermediate holding company in a resolution. Resolution plans, required by the Dodd-Frank Act and commonly known as living wills, must describe the company's strategy for rapid and orderly resolution under bankruptcy in the event of material financial distress or failure of the company. For foreign banking organizations, resolution plans are focused on their U.S. operations; however, the agencies acknowledge that the preferred outcome for these four foreign-based banks is a successful home country resolution using a single point of entry resolution strategy. The agencies sent feedback letters to each firm detailing the shortcomings and specific actions that can be taken to address them. The firms must address the shortcomings in their next resolution plans, which are due July 1, 2020, and are expected to implement certain resolution projects in the interim.

07:06 EDT Canadian Solar completes sale of 20% interest in 399 MWp Pirapora solar complex - Canadian Solar announced it has completed the sale of its 20% interest in the 399 MWp Pirapora solar complex in Brazil to Omega Geracao. Canadian Solar had previously sold 80% interest in the portfolio to EDF Renewables at construction-ready stage. The Pirapora solar complex, located in the state of Minas Gerais, consists of three solar power plants. The 191.5 MWp Pirapora I, 115 MWp Pirapora II and 92.5 MWp Pirapora III reached commercial operation in November 2017, June 2018 and December 2017, respectively. The solar complex is powered by approximately 1,235,000 high efficiency MaxPower CS6U-P modules manufactured in Sao Paulo, Brazil.

07:04 EDT Bandwidth president John Murdock to resign - Bandwidth announced that John Murdock, president, will resign from his role as president of the company, effective December 31, 2018. Murdock will continue to serve as a member of the company's Board of Directors moving forward, and has shared his intention to work with the Bandwidth executive team to transition his duties through June 30, 2019.

07:02 EDT Energizer, Spectrum Brands obtain antitrust clearance in all required markets - Energizer Holdings (ENR) and Spectrum Brands (SPB) announced that the Federal Trade Commission allowed the expiration of the waiting period under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act of 1976, as amended, with respect to the previously announced acquisition by Energizer of Spectrum Brands' auto care business, and that the parties received clearance from the Polish Competition Authority with respect to the transaction. The parties have obtained antitrust clearance in all markets where required. The "go shop" provision in the acquisition agreement expired on December 20, 2018. The parties expect to close the transaction by February 2019, subject to the satisfaction of customary closing conditions.

06:59 EDT Petrobras 'studying alternatives' to proceed with divestment program - Petrobras, in relation to the news published in the media on the injunction rendered on December 19, 2018 by Minister Marco Aurelio Mello, in a declaratory action of unconstitutionality proposed before the Federal Supreme Court, understands that this decision does not affect its divestment processes involving the assignment of Exploration & Production rights started before May 2018, as expressed in art. 91, paragraph 3 of Law 13303/2016. Regarding the future processes for assignment of rights in E&P, Petrobras clarifies that it is studying alternatives to proceed with its divestment program, in accordance with current legislation and with respect to the limits of the injunction. Therefore, the company will suspend the announcement of opportunities related to new E&P divestment projects. Petrobras reinforces the importance of the Partnerships and Divestments Program to reduce its level of indebtedness and generate value through active portfolio management, in line with its Strategic Plan and 2019-2023 Business and Management Plan .Reference Link

06:46 EDT Loxo Oncology initiates Phase 1/2 clinical trial of LOXO-305 - Loxo Oncology announced that it has initiated a Phase 1/2 clinical trial of LOXO-305. LOXO-305 is an investigational, highly selective, non-covalent Bruton's tyrosine kinase inhibitor specifically designed to address acquired resistance and intolerance in patients previously treated with FDA-approved BTK inhibitors.

06:19 EDT Bombardier signs contract for rolling stock valued at $500M - Bombardier announced that it signed a contract for rolling stock with an undisclosed customer in Europe. The order is valued at approximately $500M.

05:30 EDT Boeing, flyadeal sign commitment for up to 50 737 MAX aircraft - Boeing and flyadeal announced the Middle East carrier is growing its fleet with the 737 MAX to take advantage of the airplane's fuel efficiency, range and passenger comforts. The airline committed to ordering 30 airplanes with options for 20 more in a deal that would be valued at up to $5.9B at list price. The deal is subject to both sides concluding final terms and conditions and a purchase agreement. It will appear on Boeing's Orders & Deliveries website once all contingencies are cleared. flyadeal, a subsidiary of Saudi Arabian Airlines, offers affordable flights within Saudi Arabia. Over the past year, the airline has conducted an evaluation process for 50 narrowbody airplanes to support domestic growth and potential international expansion. While flyadeal has been operating new Airbus A320s, the airline says it has selected the 737 MAX for the future.

05:19 EDT Boeing announces commitment for up to 100 737 MAX 8 aircraft by Green Africa - Boeing and Lagos-based Green Africa Airways announced a commitment for up to 100 737 MAX 8 aircraft, evenly split into 50 firm aircraft and 50 options, as the airline gears up to begin commercial operations. The total deal carries a list-price of $11.7B, the largest aircraft agreement from Africa, and will be reflected on Boeing's Orders and Deliveries website once finalized.

05:09 EDT Zynga raises Q4 bookings outlook to $260M from $250M - Rasises Q4 adjusted EBITDA outlook to $33M from $32M. The company said in last night's release, "Zynga is raising its fourth quarter 2018 guidance based on the strong performance of holiday bold beats across its live service portfolio - in particular, Words With Friends, Merge Dragons! and CSR2. In addition, Wonka's World of Candy is off to a promising start since its launch in early November. As a reminder, this performance does not include any contributions from Small Giant as the transaction is expected to close effective as of January 1, 2019."