Stockwinners Market Radar for March 19, 2019 - Earnings, Upgrades downgrades, option trades, Best Stock Advisory Service

19:17 EDT Pfizer, Merck KGaA discontinue Phase III JAVELIN Ovarian PARP study - Merck KGaA (MKGAY) and Pfizer Inc. (PFE) announced the discontinuation of the ongoing Phase III JAVELIN Ovarian PARP 100 study evaluating the efficacy and safety of avelumab in combination with chemotherapy followed by maintenance therapy of avelumab in combination with talazoparib, a poly polymerase inhibitor, versus an active comparator in treatment-naive patients with locally advanced or metastatic ovarian cancer. The alliance has notified health authorities and trial investigators of the decision to discontinue the trial. The decision was based on several emerging factors since the trial's initiation, including the previously announced interim results from JAVELIN Ovarian PARP 100. The alliance determined that the degree of benefit observed with avelumab in frontline ovarian cancer in that study does not support continuation of the JAVELIN Ovarian PARP 100 trial in an unselected patient population and emphasizes the need to better understand the role of immunotherapy in ovarian cancer. Additional factors include the rapidly changing treatment landscape and the approval of a PARP inhibitor in the frontline maintenance setting. The decision to discontinue the JAVELIN Ovarian PARP 100 trial was not made for safety reasons. The decision to discontinue the JAVELIN Ovarian PARP 100 trial does not impact the currently approved indications for avelumab or the remainder of the ongoing JAVELIN clinical development program. The program involves at least 30 clinical programs and more than 9,000 patients evaluated across more than 15 different tumor types, including breast, gastric/gastro-esophageal junction, and head and neck cancers, Merkel cell carcinoma, non-small cell lung cancer, and urothelial carcinoma.

19:06 EDT Fly Intel: After Hours Movers - UP AFTER EARNINGS: Smartsheet (SMAR) up 10.1%... Steelcase (SCS) up 6.3%... Aurinia Pharma (AUPH) up 3.3%. ALSO HIGHER: Nevro Corp (NVRO) up 7.2% after announced CEO replacement... Sage Therapeutics (SAGE) up 4.4% after FDA approval of Zulresso. DOWN AFTER EARNINGS: Tencent Music (TME) down 7.5%... Wextport Fuel Systems (WPRT) down 7.3%... AAR Corp (AIR) down 5.7%... FedEx (FDX) down 5.6%... Franco-Nevada (FNV) down 2.2%... Principia Biopharma (PRNB) down 1.2%. Movers as of 18:45ET.

19:01 EDT Sage says Zulresso approval represents 'game-changing approach' to PPD - Sage Therapeutics announced today the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved ZULPRESSO injection for the treatment of postpartum depression. ZULRESSO is the first and only medicine specifically approved to treat PPD, the most common medical complication of childbirth. ZULRESSO is expected to be available in late June following scheduling by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, which is expected to occur within 90 days. "Today's approval of ZULRESSO represents a game-changing approach to treating PPD," said Samantha Meltzer Brody, M.D., M.P.H., Ray M Hayworth Distinguished Professorship of Mood and Anxiety Disorders and director of the Perinatal Psychiatry Program, UNC Center for Women's Mood Disorders and primary investigator of the ZULRESSO clinical trials. "The potential to rapidly reduce symptoms in this critical disorder is an exciting milestone in women's mental health. PPD is recognized to have a significant and long-term impact on women and their families, but with ZULRESSO we may finally have the opportunity to change that." "We are proud to be a part of this important moment in mental health, creating the opportunity for an unprecedented change in the way postpartum depression is thought about and treated moving forward," said Jeff Jonas, M.D., chief executive officer of Sage. "We are grateful for the patients, researchers, healthcare providers, advocates, caregivers and Sage employees who helped secure the approval of the first medicine specifically for postpartum depression. Not only do we believe ZULRESSO will address an important need for women's mental health, the impact of PPD is multi-generational, and we look forward to bringing ZULRESSO to patients in urgent need of a new treatment option. We believe ZULRESSO will be a catalyst in starting a new dialogue emphasizing the importance of women's mental health, and the importance of diagnosing and treating PPD."

18:37 EDT SPDR Gold Shares holdings fall to 778.09MT from 779.27M

18:23 EDT Nutanix CEO: Our churn is really small - In an interview on CNBC's Mad Money, Nutanix CEO Dheeraj Pandey said: The quality of the business and staying power are two things that matter most... We've come a long way in the last five years... Our product is ten times better than it used to be.

18:02 EDT FedEx says reviewing capital expense plan for FY20 - Sees FY19 effective tax rate of 22%-23%.

17:47 EDT FedEx Co-CEO Carter says Amazon not a threat to future growth - Says well placed to take share in U.S. e-commerce market, which is expected to double in size by 2026.

17:42 EDT Cognizant President Rajeev Mehta sells over $1.4M in company shares - Cognizant President Rajeev Mehta disclosed in a filing that he had sold 19,664 shares of company stock at an average price of $71.62 per share on March 15, for a total transaction value of $1,408,393.

17:31 EDT Amyris to delay filing 10-K, may have further financial reporting deficiences - Amyris was unable to file its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2018 within the prescribed time period without unreasonable effort and expense because of the significant time and resources that were devoted to the accounting for and disclosure of the significant transactions with Koninklijke DSM N.V. that closed in November 2018. The company is also in the process of completing its evaluation of internal control over financial reporting for 2018 and finalizing related disclosures in the Form 10-K. These activities delayed the completion of the Form 10-K. As previously reported in Part II, Item 9A, "Controls and Procedures" of the company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2017, the company has identified a material weakness in its internal control over financial reporting, which material weakness remains unremediated as of December 31, 2018. The company is in the process of completing its evaluation of internal control over financial reporting and may have further deficiencies to report. In addition, the company expects to continue to report that there is substantial doubt about its ability to continue as a going concern.

17:20 EDT York Capital reports 8.18% passive stake in Quorum Health - In a regulatory filing, York Capital disclosed an 8.18% stake in Quorum Health, which represents 2.58M shares. The filing does not allow for activism.

17:19 EDT Boeing awarded $326.3M Navy delivery order - Boeing has been awarded $326.3M for cost-plus-fixed-fee delivery order against a previously issued basic ordering agreement to develop, integrate and test increment 3 block capabilities into the P-8A aircraft for the Navy and the government of Australia. Work is expected to be completed in March 2024. FY19 research, development, test and evaluation funds in the amount of $14.44M and cooperative engagement agreement funds in the amount of $19.2M are being obligated on this award, none of which will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Air Systems Command is the contracting activity.

17:14 EDT Disney, 21st Century Fox say per share value of merger $51.572626 - The Walt Disney Company (DIS) and Twenty-First Century Fox, Inc. (TFCFA, TFCF), in connection with Disney's acquisition of 21CF, announced that the per share value of the Merger Consideration has been calculated in accordance with the Merger Agreement to be $51.572626. The Acquisition will become effective at 12:02 a.m. Eastern Time tomorrow, March 20, 2019. At the effective time of the Acquisition, each share of 21CF common stock will be exchanged for $51.572626 in cash or 0.4517 shares of common stock of TWDC Holdco 613 Corp., the holding company that will own both Disney and 21CF following the Acquisition, subject to election, proration and adjustment procedures set forth in the Amended and Restated Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of June 20, 2018, by and among 21CF, Disney, New Disney, and certain of Disney's other subsidiaries. The number of shares of New Disney common stock comprising the Stock Consideration was determined by dividing the Per Share Value by $114.1801, which was the volume weighted average trading price of a share of Disney common stock on the New York Stock Exchange over the fifteen consecutive trading day period ending on (and including) March 15, 2019. The acquisition of 21st Century Fox's iconic collection of businesses and franchises will allow Disney to provide more appealing high-quality content and entertainment options to meet growing consumer demand; increase its international footprint; and expand its direct-to-consumer offerings, which include ESPN+ for sports fans, the highly-anticipated Disney+ streaming video-on-demand service launching in late 2019; and Disney and 21st Century Fox's combined ownership stake in Hulu. The acquisition includes 21st Century Fox's renowned film production businesses, including Twentieth Century Fox, Fox Searchlight Pictures, Fox 2000 Pictures, Fox Family and Fox Animation; Fox's television creative units, Twentieth Century Fox Television, FX Productions and Fox21; FX Networks; National Geographic Partners; Fox Networks Group International; Star India; and Fox's interests in Hulu, Tata Sky and Endemol Shine Group. Disney and 21st Century Fox entered into a consent decree with the U.S. Department of Justice last year under which Disney will divest 21st Century Fox's Regional Sports Networks. Earlier today, 21st Century Fox completed the spin-off of a portfolio of 21st Century Fox's news, sports and broadcast businesses, including the FOX News Channel, FOX Business Network, FOX Broadcasting Company, FOX Sports, FOX Television Stations Group, and sports cable networks FS1, FS2, Fox Deportes and Big Ten Network, and certain other assets and liabilities, into Fox Corporation. Disney is also acquiring approximately $19.8 billion of cash and assuming approximately $19.2 billion of debt of 21st Century Fox in the acquisition. The acquisition price implies a total equity value of approximately $71 billion and a total transaction value of approximately $71 billion. The acquisition is expected to be accretive to Disney earnings per share before the impact of purchase accounting for the second fiscal year after the close of the transaction, and to yield at least $2 billion in cost synergies by 2021 from operating efficiencies realized through the combination of businesses.

17:09 EDT Alexandria Real Estate co-CEO sells 3,721 common shares - In a regulatory filing, Alexandra Real Estate co-CEO Peter M. Moglia disclosed the sale of 3,721 common shares of the company at a price of $141.44 per share.

17:03 EDT Carlyle Group names Christopher Finn COO - Global investment firm The Carlyle Group announced that effective immediately, Christopher Finn has become Chief Operating Officer and in his new role will lead Carlyle's operational functions across the firm's global platform. "As a 23-year Carlyle veteran, Chris's proven leadership, reliability and strong record of accomplishment make him the ideal person to lead our day to day operations," said Carlyle's Co-Chief Executive Officers, Kewsong Lee and Glenn Youngkin. "He has been instrumental in driving higher efficiency across the firm through executing key global operational improvements, and we look forward to him building on this foundation."

16:59 EDT Piedmont Office Realty CEO Miller to retire, Brent smith to succeed - Piedmont Office Realty Trust announced that Donald A. Miller, CFA, who has served as the company's Chief Executive Officer since 2007, will retire effective June 30 and that the Board of Directors has named C. Brent Smith, the company's current President and Chief Investment Officer, as his successor. Mr. Smith was also appointed to the Board of Directors, effective immediately. Mr. Miller will stand for re-election to the Board of Directors for the 2019-20 term. "The entire Piedmont team has worked together diligently over the last several years to hone our competitive strategy, narrow our markets, and improve our portfolio of properties. During this time, Brent has provided valuable insight and leadership to the organization and been instrumental in the execution of each of the major transactions that have advanced this strategy," said Mr. Miller. "We have been working with the Board on this management transition for a while and I am excited about Brent officially assuming leadership of Piedmont as we all endeavor to drive our business and strategy to build value for our stockholders."

16:51 EDT Steelcase boosts quarterly dividend 7% to 14.5c per share - The Board of Directors has declared a quarterly cash dividend of 14.5c per share, to be paid on or before April 12, to shareholders of record as of March 29.

16:39 EDT Nevro suspends 2019 revenue guidance - Nevro is suspending revenue guidance while it assesses the business under its new leadership.

16:38 EDT Ramaco Resources sees FY19 production of 2.0M tons of met coal - The company said, "We are excited about Ramaco's long-term prospects for growth, free cash flow generation and ultimately the ability to return cash to shareholders through regular dividends. In 2019, we expect to produce 2.0 million tons of met coal at the midpoint of guidance, up approximately 14% from 2018 levels. We ended 2018 with overall average costs of roughly $63 per ton, allocated as $60 per ton average cost at Elk Creek and $127 per ton at our Berwind development mine. In 2019, it will be important for investors to focus on the cost difference between the two complexes. At Berwind, we will still be in development mode in 2019, mining approximately 250,000 tons in thin seam conditions in the Pocahontas #3 seam, until we reach the thicker roughly 60" Pocahontas #4 low-vol coal seam by 2020. At full capacity, we expect Berwind mine costs to be closer to $80 per ton and production at roughly 750,000 tons. At today's pricing, we'd ultimately anticipate Berwind cash margins at that point to be similar to Elk Creek. At Elk Creek, we expect costs this year in the mid-$60s per ton range, with the increase mainly caused by higher-sales related costs associated with improved sales realizations. As Berwind ramps up production, and Elk Creek continues to produce as expected, even without any proposed development activities, we hope to reach a 2.5M ton annual production rate in 2020 which should increase to approximately 4.5M tons by 2023 through investments in organic growth at our existing properties. As production increases, we anticipate exploring with our Board the possibility of returning cash to shareholders in the form of a recurring dividend."

16:34 EDT GCP Applied Technologies names James Thompson VP, General Counsel and Secretary - GCP Applied Technologies announced that James E. Thompson has been appointed to the position of Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary effective April 8. Thompson brings over 30 years of legal leadership experience to GCP. He will lead the company's global legal team and oversee all aspects of legal strategy, corporate governance, compliance, commercial transactions, intellectual property, and government relations. "We are pleased to welcome James to GCP as our new General Counsel," said Gregory E. Poling, GCP's Chief Executive Officer. "His exceptional track record, business acumen and legal experience in complex global organizations make him a valuable addition to our leadership team." Thompson is currently Senior Vice President, General Counsel and Chief Ethics and Compliance Officer at Avon Products, Inc., a global beauty products company. Prior to that, he served for nine years as Executive Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary at Chiquita Brands International, Inc. Prior to that, he was also Group Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary at McLeodUSA, a publicly-traded telecommunications company.

16:32 EDT TechTarget CEO Cotoia sells over $134K in company shares - TechTarget CEO Michael Cotoia disclosed in a filing that he had sold 8,307 shares of company stock at an average price of $16.21 for a total transaction value of $134,656.

16:31 EDT Leidos awarded U.S. Army contract worth up to $25.5B - Leidos has been awarded a contract by the U.S. Army Contracting Command-Redstone to provide aircraft logistics and maintenance in theaters of operations. The multiple award, indefinite delivery/indefinite quantity, firm-fixed-price contract has a five-year base period of performance, one five-year option ordering period, and a total potential value of $25.5B. Work will be primarily be performed in Afghanistan and Greece in support of U.S. Army operations.

16:16 EDT Steel Partners names William Fejes as new COO - Steel Partners named William Fejes as the company's Chief Operating Officer, a newly created position. Fejes also serves as President of Steel Services and of Steel Partners Holdings Diversified Industrial segment. He was the President and Chief Executive Officer of Handy & Harman Ltd. from June 2016 until its full integration into Steel Partners Holdings in September 2017, and has been the President of SL Industries, Inc. since June 2010.

16:13 EDT FedEx says slowing macroeconomic conditions continue - "Slowing international macroeconomic conditions and weaker global trade growth trends continue, as seen in the year-over-year decline in our FedEx Express international revenue," said Alan B. Graf, Jr., FedEx Corp. executive vice president and chief financial officer. "We have launched our voluntary employee buyout program, constrained our hiring, are limiting discretionary spending and are reviewing additional actions to mitigate the lower-than-expected revenue trends."

16:12 EDT Smartsheet reports FY18 ACV per domain-based customer up 50% at $2,454 - Sees FY19 annualized contract values, or ACV, of $50,000 at 444, an increase of 135% year over year.

16:08 EDT SeaWorld COO John Reilly to depart, effective March 31 - SeaWorld announced that COO John Reilly is leaving the company effective March 31.

16:07 EDT Kroger to sell Turkey Hill Business to affiliate of Peak Rock Capital - The Kroger Co. and Peak Rock Capital announced a definitive agreement for the sale of Kroger's Turkey Hill business to an affiliate of Peak Rock Capital. As part of the sale agreement, the Peak Rock Capital affiliate will continue to operate the Turkey Hill business out of its large Conestoga, Penn., facility with its nearly 800 full-time, part-time and seasonal associates and under the same recognizable Turkey Hill brand. Kroger announced in August 2018 its intention to explore strategic options for its Turkey Hill business, including a potential sale. Closing is expected during Kroger's first quarter and the after-tax proceeds will be used to reduce debt.

16:00 EDT Rep. Thompson requests briefing from tech CEOs over NZ shooting livestream - After last week's deadly white-nationalist domestic terror attack on two New Zealand mosques, and the shooter's concurrent live-stream of the attack, Rep. Bennie G. Thompson, Chairman of the Committee on Homeland Security, has written a letter to the CEOs of four major technology companies, specifically Facebook (FB), YouTube (GOOG), Twitter (TWTR), and Microsoft (MSFT), urging them to prioritize the immediate removal of violent terrorist content, including that of far-right, domestic terrorists. In the letter, Chairman Thompson requested a briefing from the companies next week on their efforts to prevent the dissemination of this type of violent content moving forward. "I respectfully request a briefing before the Committee on Homeland Security on March 27, 2019, regarding your response to the dissemination of the video of the New Zealand terrorist attack on your platforms and how your companies intend to prevent this disturbing incident from happening again," Thompson said in the letter. Reference Link

15:49 EDT PG&E extends shareholder proposal deadline to March 25 - In a regulatory filing, PG&E announced that its board determined to further extend the deadline pursuant to the corporation's bylaws for receipt of written notice by a shareholder of any business, including the nomination of any person for election to the board, to be brought before the corporation's 2019 annual meeting of shareholders, including any adjournments, postponements, reschedules or continuations thereof from 5:00 p.m. PDT on March 19 to 5:00 p.m. PDT on March 25. "The Corporation continues to be actively engaged in constructive discussions with its shareholders and other stakeholders regarding the previously announced Board refreshment process," the filing stated.

15:32 EDT Facebook settles discriminatory advertising lawsuits - Facebook COO Sheryl Sandberg wrote in a Facebook Newsroom post, "We're announcing changes in how we manage housing, employment and credit ads on our platform. These changes are the result of historic settlement agreements with leading civil rights organizations and ongoing input from civil rights experts... Last year, one of the US's top housing civil rights organizations, the National Fair Housing Alliance, as well as the American Civil Liberties Union, the Communication Workers of America and other private parties, filed litigation against us, saying that we need to build stronger protections against abuse... We believe that the changes we're announcing today as part of our settlements with the NFHA, ACLU, CWA and other groups will better protect people on Facebook... Today's changes mark an important step in our broader effort to prevent discrimination and promote fairness and inclusion on Facebook. But our work is far from over." Reference Link

15:01 EDT Natural Alternatives says Court of Appeals rules in its favor in patent suit - Natural Alternatives International announced that the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit has ruled in NAI's favor, holding that its CarnoSyn beta-alanine patents are "patent eligible" under existing law. The Court's decision reverses a 2017 ruling by a California district court and revives important patent rights in NAI's existing patent portfolio. Mark LeDoux, NAI's CEO and Chairman of the Board, said that "NAI has always been confident that the Federal Circuit -- which has particular expertise in patent law -- would look at the body of science NAI put into the record, properly apply the law, and find NAI's patents are valid. That is what the Federal Circuit did in issuing its fact-based and carefully reasoned decision. As it has consistently done, NAI will continue to vigorously enforce its intellectual property rights."

14:51 EDT Sientra down 6% after FDA warns on post-approval study requirements

14:46 EDT Inmarsat confirms receipt of potential $7.21 per share offer from PE consortium - The Board of Inmarsat notes the recent media speculation regarding a possible offer for Inmarsat. The Board of Inmarsat confirms that on 31 January 2019 it received a non-binding proposal from Apax Partners, Warburg Pincus International and Canada Pension Plan Investment Board regarding a possible cash offer of $7.21 per Inmarsat share for the entire issued, and to be issued, share capital of Inmarsat. The proposal assumed no further dividends would be paid by Inmarsat following the date of the proposal. Apax, Warburg Pincus and CPPIB subsequently confirmed that Ontario Teachers' Pension Plan Board would also be supporting the proposal as part of the Consortium. "The proposal remains under discussion between the company and the consortium. As such, there can be no certainty as to the terms on which any offer would be made. Nor is it certain that the discussions will lead to any firm offer for the company. A further announcement will be made in due course," the company said.

14:08 EDT Teligent reports FDA approval of fluocinonide topical solution USP, 0.05% - Teligent announced it has received approval of the company's abbreviated new drug application, or ANDA, from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration of fluocinonide topical solution USP, 0.05%. "Our third approval in as many months shows our continued skill in achieving timely approvals. We now have forty topical generic pharmaceutical products in the US portfolio, in addition to our four US injectable products,'' said CEO Jason Grenfell-Gardner.

14:01 EDT Google's Jade Raymond says games studio working with external developers - Jade Raymond, head of Google's Stadia Games and Entertainment, says will be working with external developers to create games with "bleeding-edge" technology and will include studios "big and small."

13:53 EDT Google's Stadia to include feature letting players play with YouTube creators - At Google's Keynote event, YouTube Head of Gaming Ryan Wyatt said that Stadia will include a feature called Crowd Play, which will allow players to jump in and play a game with a YouTube content creators streaming the game. YouTuber MatPat then took to the stage to talk about how Crowd Play could help his channel create a "stronger bond" with his audience.

13:46 EDT Google offering machine learning tools to indie developers called Style Transfer - Indie developer Tequila Works said at Google's GDC keynote address said that Google offers machine learning technology and other development tools for developers putting games on Stadia. Says technology will allow devs to apply any art style to their games easily. Additionally, Q-Games' Dylan Cuthbert unveiled State Share, which will let developers instantly share a playable moment from a game. Cuthbert added that his company is building a whole new game around State Share.

13:36 EDT Google says Stadia will include full cross-platform multiplayer - Says game client on server both remain on Google's networking backbone when playing multiplayer games through Stadia. Says new technological innovations could occur in multiplayer experiences on Stadia. Says will be able to prevent cheating and hacking in games on Stadia. Says Stadia will also include full cross-platform multiplayer. Comments taken at Google's keynote address at the Game Developers Conference.

13:33 EDT Texas Roadhouse COO Douglas Thompson sells over $354K in company shares - Texas Roadhouse COO Douglas Thompson disclosed in a filing that he had sold 6,000 shares of company stock at an average price of $59.07 per share on March 15 for a total transaction value of $354,420.

13:28 EDT Google says players can hold simultaneous game streams in 4K on Stadia - Says Stadia will be able to stream in up to 8K resolution and at over 120 frames per second in the future. Says can hold simultaneous streams in up to 4K resolution through Stadia. Says has built flexible and scalable modern platform for games that is not constrained by consoles. Says Stadia graphical capabilities surpass Xbox One X (MSFT) and PS4 Pro (SNE) Comments taken at Google's keynote address at the Game Developers Conference.

13:24 EDT Google unveils Stadia controller - As part of its Stadia announcement, Google announced the Stadia controller, a video game controller that connects through Wi-Fi to devices and screens that are playing games through Stadia. The device will use the cloud to allow shifting between streams of the same game. The controller includes two new buttons, including a save experience button and the Google Assistant button, which allows players to immediately access the controller's built-in microphone to get help or info. Comments taken at Google's keynote address at the Game Developers Conference.

13:17 EDT Google announces game streaming service Stadia - Google's (GOOG) Phil Harrison unveiled Stadia, a video game-based platform powered by Google that creates "one place for all the ways we play." Harrison said that Stadia is meant to connect game developers and players with YouTube creators, creating a "richer and more vibrant" gaming community for "everyone to enjoy." Says streamed Ubisoft's (UBSFY) "Assassin's Crered Odyssey" in 1080p and at 60 frames per second. Says now has the ability to take a sophisticated, AAA game and stream it on a basic laptop. Comments taken at Google's keynote address at the Game Developers Conference.

12:32 EDT Iberiabank board of directors raises quarterly dividend 5% to 43c per share - The Board of Directors of IBERIABANK Corporation announced the declaration of a quarterly cash dividend of 43c per common share, an increase of approximately 5% compared to the common dividend paid on January 25, 2019. The dividend is payable on April 26, 2019, to shareholders of record as of March 29, 2019. This increased quarterly dividend level equates to an annualized dividend rate of $1.72 per common share. Based on the closing common stock price on March 18, 2019, of $77.82 per common share, the new indicated dividend yield on the company's common stock would be 2.2%.

12:20 EDT Borqs Technologies Inc trading resumes

12:05 EDT DSW announces 3-year strategic priorities, changes name to Designer Brands - DSW presented the company's three-year strategic priorities designed to leverage its unique business model to unlock value and deliver 2021 Adjusted earnings per share in the range of $2.65-$2.75. The company also unveiled its new corporate name -- Designer Brands. The company provided its financial expectations for 2021, as follows: Achieve adjusted earnings per share in the range of $2.65 to $2.75; Achieve approximately 5.5% revenue CAGR; Generate consistent low single-digit comparable store sales growth; Improve gross profit by 240 basis points from 2018 level. For fiscal 2019, which is the 52-week period ending February 1, 2020, the Company expects to achieve low double-digit revenue growth as compared to fiscal 2018 revenue of $3.2 billion, which included a $189 million contribution from the Canada Retail segment and a $96 million contribution from the new Brand Portfolio segment. The Company anticipates increasing comparable store sales in the low single-digit range. Fiscal 2019 adjusted earnings per share is expected to range between $1.80 to $1.90. Effective today, the parent company, DSW Inc. becomes Designer Brands. In conjunction with its corporate name change, Designer Brands will change the company's ticker symbol from "DSW" to "DBI," effective at the start of trading on April 2, 2019, which has been approved by the New York Stock Exchange. As of that date, the "DSW" trading symbol will no longer be active.

12:01 EDT ON Semiconductor collaborates with Nvidia on cloud-based AV simulation - ON Semiconductor (ON) announced that it is leveraging its image sensor modeling technology to provide real-time data to the NVIDIA (NVDA) DRIVE Constellation simulation platform. "The open, cloud-based platform performs bit-accurate simulation for large-scale, hardware-in-the-loop testing and validation of autonomous vehicles," ON said.

12:00 EDT DSW falls -13.0% - DSW is down -13.0%, or -$3.29 to $22.07.

12:00 EDT Sibanye Gold rises 9.9% - Sibanye Gold is up 9.9%, or 41c to $4.50.

12:00 EDT Chaparral Energy rises 13.6% - Chaparral Energy is up 13.6%, or 60c to $5.07.

11:44 EDT Rep. Ciciline urges FTC to probe Facebook over possible antitrust violations - Democratic Representative David Ciciline of Rhode Island sent a letter to the FTC urging that the agency open an immediate investigation into whether Facebook has violated antitrust laws. The lawmaker said in the letter that an antitrust investigation responding to revelations of exposing user data to Cambridge Analytica and "mounting evidence" of antitcompetitive behavior should focus on at least three aspects of the company's conduct. First, the FTC should examine whether any of the social media giant's acquisitions "substantially lessened competition" in violation of Section 7 of the Clayton Act, Ciciline said. Second, the representative said that the agency should investigate whether Facebook has engaged in exclusionary conduct in violation of Section 5 of the Federal Trade Commission Act. Finally, the lawmaker said that the Commission should consider whether Facebook has "abused its monopoly power" in violation of Section 5 of the Federal Trade Commission Act. Reference Link

11:22 EDT Goodyear Tire to cut roughly 1,100 jobs in Germany - In a filing, the company said, "On March 18, 2019, The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company approved a plan that proposes to modernize Goodyear Dunlop Tires Germany's tire manufacturing facilities in Hanau and Fulda, Germany, as part of the company's strategy to strengthen the competitiveness of its manufacturing footprint and increase its production of premium, large-rim-diameter consumer tires. The company anticipates that changes to the layout of the plants, efficiency gains from new equipment and the decision to curtail production of tires for declining, less profitable segments of the tire market would result in approximately 1,100 job reductions. The plan remains subject to consultation with relevant employee representative bodies. The company expects to substantially complete this rationalization plan during 2022 and estimates the total pre-tax charges associated with this plan to be at least $135M, of which approximately $125M is expected to be cash charges primarily for associate-related costs and approximately $10M is expected to be non-cash charges primarily related to asset write-offs and accelerated depreciation. The company expects to record approximately $90M of these charges in the first quarter of 2019 and to make cash payments of approximately $30M in 2020 and $40M in 2021. Once completed, these actions are expected to increase the productivity of both plants and the resulting conversion savings are expected to improve Europe, Middle East and Africa's segment operating income by $60M to $70M on an annualized basis over a three-year period beginning in 2020."

11:06 EDT DSW sees ~5.6% revenue CAGR for 2019-2021 period - Sees gross profit up 240 bps in the period.

10:45 EDT PayPal says partnering with Instagram to help power checkout - PayPal (PYPL) announced that it is partnering with Instagram (FB) to help power checkout on Instagram. The company says, "This new experience will enable shoppers to checkout faster with PayPal & merchants to sell their products directly on Instagram." It added that "Shoppers will be able to securely store their preferred payment type, including PayPal, for faster checkout on future purchases. Shoppers can also use the Instagram app to view their order status, estimated delivery date and tracking number, as well as cancel orders, initiate a return, or request additional support." Reference Link

10:13 EDT Norsk Hydro discloses 'extensive cyber-attack,' full damage still unknown - Norsk Hydro said in a statement, "As communicated earlier today, March 19, Hydro has been subject to an extensive cyber-attack, impacting operations in several of the company's business areas. Hydro has isolated all plants and operations and is switching to manual operations and procedures as far as possible. Hydro's main priority is to continue to ensure safe operations and limit operational and financial impact. The problem has not led to any safety-related incidents. Relevant authorities have been notified and are supporting Hydro in the efforts to resolve the problem...Hydro is working to contain and neutralize the attack but does not yet know the full extent of the situation. It is too early to indicate the operational and financial impact, as well as timing to resolve the situation. Hydro is doing its utmost to limit the impact on customers."

10:02 EDT Facebook, Google, Twitter 'on the side of the Radical Left,' Trump tweets - President Donald Trump tweeted: "Facebook, Google and Twitter, not to mention the Corrupt Media, are sooo on the side of the Radical Left Democrats. But fear not, we will win anyway, just like we did before! #MAGA" Reference Link

10:00 EDT Chaparral Energy rises 8.3% - Chaparral Energy is up 8.3%, or 37c to $4.83.

10:00 EDT Ferro rises 11.0% - Ferro is up 11.0%, or $2.08 to $20.97.

09:52 EDT Facebook's Instagram adds in-app checkout - Instagram (FB) announced in a blog post that it is adding in-app checkout. The company says, "Checkout makes it quick and secure for people to buy the products they discover on Instagram. Since our earliest days, people on Instagram have loved to shop. They revel in the joy of discovering those perfect suede boots, obsessing over beauty tutorials or snatching up one-of-a-kind sneakers from an exclusive drop. Instagram is a place for people to treat themselves with inspiration, not a place to tax themselves with errands. It's a place to experience the pleasure of shopping versus the chore of buying. We build everything with this in mind. Checkout enhances the shopping experience by making the purchase simple, convenient and secure. People no longer have to navigate to the browser when they want to buy. And with their protected payment information in one place, they can shop their favorite brands without needing to log in and enter their information multiple times." The Fly notes that Shopify (SHOP) is down nearly 1% on the news.

09:48 EDT Nymox announces Mark Staples as Vice President of CMC - Nymox Pharmaceutical announces that Mark Staples has joined the company as Vice President for Chemistry, Manufacturing, and Controls, or CMC. Paul Averback, CEO of Nymox, said, "Dr Staples held senior CMC positions for many years at Biogen and other well-known companies, and he has an enviable record of well-known major project successes. Mark's depth of knowledge and experience with all aspects of the business will bring considerable added value to the activities of Nymox and will greatly benefit and strengthen our organization."

09:47 EDT Orion Group falls -9.7% - Orion Group is down -9.7%, or -41c to $3.83.

09:47 EDT Sibanye Gold rises 8.0% - Sibanye Gold is up 8.0%, or 33c to $4.43.

09:47 EDT Tronox rises 14.7% - Tronox is up 14.7%, or $1.77 to $13.84.

09:32 EDT Barclays names Robert Peck as chairman of Global Internet Banking - Barclays (BCS) announces the appointment of Robert Peck as Chairman of Global Internet Banking in the Technology Banking Group. Peck was most recently as Global Head of Internet Investment Banking at Credit Suisse (CS).

09:23 EDT SunLink Health Systems completes sale of Parkside Ellijay Nursing Home - SunLink Health Systems announced that its subsidiary, Southern Health Corporation of Ellijay, has completed the sale of its Parkside Ellijay Nursing Home and related real estate for approximately $7,300,000. The company said the net proceeds of approximately $6,400,000 will be retained for working capital and general corporate purposes. The company expects to recognize a pre-tax gain on the sale of approximately $2,100,000 in its third fiscal quarter ending March 31, 2019.

09:16 EDT Zynex reactivated its Medicare Provider Number - Zynex announced that it has reactivated its Medicare Provider Number in an effort to also bill Medicare on behalf of its patients. The company said: "We continue to expand our sales force and geographic footprint across the US and have decided to reactivate our Medicare provider number. Medicare continues to approve of and pay for our prescription strength pain management technology. We believe this initiative puts us in a strong position to procure prescriptions from more prescribing physicians and therefore help accelerate order growth."

09:10 EDT Remark Media trading resumes

09:08 EDT Denny's forms new partnership with Magic Johnson for leadership training - Denny's announced a partnership with Earvin "Magic" Johnson. With Johnson's support, Denny's has created an online and multifaceted experiential program to accompany their Breakthrough Leadership Training and Development Program. Denny's Breakthrough Leadership Training and Development program provides Denny's team members with exclusive access to numerous creative and interactive employee engagement curricula, leadership workshops, simulations, games and mobile learning and educational training videos. Several elements of the training program are experiential and designed to be practical and sustainable, reflecting real business and leadership challenges that team leaders face every day. In April, Denny's will be launching a complementary recruiting site highlighting job and career-long opportunities.

09:06 EDT Carbon Black appoints Steve Webber CFO - Carbon Black announced that Steve Webber, with more than 25 years of financial management and executive leadership, has been appointed CFO. Webber joins Carbon Black from BackOffice Associates, where he served as COO and CFO.

09:02 EDT BAE Systems receives $225M order from U.S. Navy for precision guidance kits - The U.S. Navy has placed a $225M order for additional precision guidance kits from BAE Systems. The combat-proven Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System kits transform standard 2.75" Hydra rockets into guided munitions that provide warfighters with a precision strike capability with limited collateral damage. The APKWS guidance kits are the U.S. government's only program of record for 2.75-inch laser-guided rockets, and are available to all four military branches and to allied nations via Foreign Military Sales. The warhead of the Hydra rocket combined with precision guidance lets warfighters strike light targets while minimizing the risk of harm to friendly forces or civilian buildings nearby - making them ideal for dense urban combat.

08:51 EDT Citi announces EEA investment firm commences trading, client execution - Citi is now offering its product and service suite from entities fully within the European Economic Area.For EEA clients and counterparties unable to conduct business through Citi's UK entities post Brexit, Citi's products and services are now additionally available through Citibank Europe and Citigroup Global Markets Europe. Citigroup Global Markets Europe, Citi's new investment firm in Frankfurt, has begun actively trading on the most significant exchanges in the EEA, has commenced primary capital market issuance activities, and is on-boarding and executing for clients across the bank's entire Markets & Securities Services product spectrum. It has also begun clearing trades via Eurex Clearing. Citibank Europe, Citi's Ireland-based bank, is the result of the 2016 consolidation of Citi's bank branches in 22 countries in the EEA. It has been operating in its present form for three years, encompassing a wide variety of businesses, including loan underwriting, syndication and trading, foreign exchange, credit and interest rate derivatives, transaction banking and cash management, and a full range of agency and trustee services.Citi has on-the-ground presences in 20 of the 27 post-Brexit European Union countries, and has been in some European countries for more than a century. Prior to the Brexit vote, in excess of 60% of Citi's EU workforce was already located outside of the UK. London remains the centre of Citi's UK business, as well as its headquarters for the Europe, Middle East and Africa region, and an important global hub.

08:48 EDT AbbVie: FDA puts partial clinical hold on venetoclax program - AbbVie (ABBV) announced the U.S. FDA has placed a partial clinical hold on all clinical trials evaluating venetoclax for the investigational treatment of multiple myeloma. The partial clinical hold follows a review of data from the ongoing Phase 3 BELLINI trial, a study in relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma, in which a higher proportion of deaths was observed in the venetoclax arm compared to the control arm of the trial. As a result of this action, no new patients should be enrolled in any studies of venetoclax for multiple myeloma until a further analysis of the data is completed. Patients who are currently enrolled in studies and receiving benefit from the therapy may continue with treatment, after consultation with their physician. This action does not impact any of the approved indications for venetoclax, such as chronic lymphocytic leukemia or acute myeloid leukemia, and is limited to investigational clinical trials in multiple myeloma. AbbVie remains confident in the benefit/risk profile of venetoclax in those approved indications. "We are committed to patient safety and are thoroughly analyzing the results observed in the BELLINI trial. We will continue working with the FDA and worldwide regulatory agencies to determine appropriate next steps for the multiple myeloma program," said Michael Severino, M.D., vice chairman and president, AbbVie. "We will continue to further the research and development of venetoclax and other therapies with the potential to transform the standards of care in blood cancers." Venetoclax is being developed by AbbVie and Roche (RHHBY). It is jointly commercialized by AbbVie and Genentech, a member of the Roche Group, in the U.S. and by AbbVie outside of the U.S.

08:44 EDT Remark Holdings enters into agreement to sell Vegas.com to VDC-MGG for $45M - Remark Holdings announced that it has entered into an agreement to sell Vegas.com to VDC-MGG Holdings, an affiliate of Remark's senior lenders, for an anticipated enterprise value of approximately $45M. The cash proceeds of the transaction will be used to pay amounts due to Remark's senior lenders, leaving only approximately $10M of remaining debt owed to the senior lenders. The sale of Vegas.com will transform Remark into a pure play AI company.

08:42 EDT Apple updates iMac line with up to 8-core Intel processors, Vega graphics - Apple (AAPL) updated its iMac line with up to 8-core Intel (INTC) 9th-generation processors for the first time and Vega graphics options, delivering increases in both compute and graphics performance. From consumers to pros alike, users will notice their iMac is faster for everyday tasks all the way up to the most demanding pro workloads.

08:40 EDT Remark Media trading halted, news dissemination

08:38 EDT Fox Corporation announces first day as standalone, publicly traded company - Fox Corporation (FOXA, FOX) announced that the company this morning became a standalone company and, when the markets open, will begin regular trading of its Class A and Class B Common Stock on Nasdaq Global Select Market under the symbols "FOXA" and "FOX," respectively. Twenty-First Century Fox completed the separation of the company through the distribution of all of the outstanding shares of the company's common Stock to 21CF stockholders on a pro rata basis. A portion of each share of 21CF common stock held at the time of the Distribution was exchanged for 1/3 of one share of common stock of the same class, and holders will receive cash in lieu of any fractional shares. 21CF distributed to its stockholders a total of 620,501,921 shares of common stock this morning.

08:35 EDT Cellectar Biosciences receives FDA exemption for import alert on CLR 131 - Cellectar Biosciences announced that the FDA has granted an exemption to the import alert placed on the Centre for Probe Development and Commercialization or CPDC, for the use of CLR 131 in connection with the company's pediatric incestigational new drug, or IND. This exemption will allow Cellectar to immediately begin enrolling patients in its Phase 1 pediatric study for the treatment of select relapsed or refractory solid tumors including neuroblastoma, lymphomas and malignant brain tumors. Cellectar is already enrolling patients in its Phase 1 and Phase 2 multiple myeloma and select B-cell lymphoma studies of CLR 131 after having received FDA exemption to the CPDC Import Alert in November 2018 for its hematology IND.

08:34 EDT 21st Century Fox completes distribution in connection with Disney acquisition - Twenty-First Century Fox (TFCFA, TFCF) announced that it has completed the distribution of all issued and outstanding shares of Fox Corporation common stock to 21CF stockholders on a pro rata basis. 21CF and FOX are now each a standalone, publicly traded company. FOX Class A common stock and FOX Class B common stock are now listed on the Nasdaq Global Select Market under the symbols "FOXA" and "FOX," respectively. 21CF Class A common stock and 21CF Class B common stock, which were formerly listed on Nasdaq under the symbols "FOXA" and "FOX," respectively, are now listed on Nasdaq under the symbols "TFCFA" and "TFCF," respectively. The Walt Disney Company's (DIS) acquisition of 21CF will become effective at 12:02 a.m. Eastern Time tomorrow, March 20.

08:25 EDT VBL Therapeutics presents new data on VB-111 at SGO meeting - VBL Therapeutics announced the presentation of human data indicating that the viral anti-cancer investigational therapy VB-111 has potential to stimulate the immune system to induce a strong and durable response against ovarian tumors. Administration of VB-111 was associated with an infiltration of immune cells within the tumor, which was followed by tumor necrosis and sustained clinical response. VBL's study was presented at the SGO meeting on Women's Cancer. Ofranergene obadenovec is a targeted anti-cancer investigational gene therapy with a dual mechanism: disruption of the tumor vasculature and induction of an anti-tumor directed immune response. In a Phase 2 clinical trial, VB-111 in combination with chemotherapy prolonged survival in patients with recurrent platinum resistant ovarian cancer. OVAL, VBL's ongoing pivotal Phase 3 trial, is designed to repeat the Phase 2 protocol, with the primary endpoint of improvement in overall survival. An interim analysis of the OVAL study is expected at the end of the year.

08:15 EDT Pitney Bowes, Genpact partner to provide equipment finance platform - Pitney Bowes (PBI) announced a partnership with Genpact (G). Through Genpact's business-process-as-a-service capability, Pitney Bowes' will offer its clients a unique equipment finance platform. This managed services operating model will allow Wheeler Financial to scale quickly and meet market and customer needs in a flexible and agile manner. Wheeler Financial will help clients purchase new equipment and services critical to the industries in which they operate with loans, leases, and other financial structures.

08:12 EDT LifeVantage launches in Spain - LifeVantage has opened for business in Spain. The new market opened over the weekend as part of the company's European Leadership Academy in Barcelona, which played host to a capacity crowd. Spain is open for both distributor enrollments and customer orders. In addition to Spain, LifeVantage now has a European presence in the United Kingdom, Germany, Netherlands and Austria. The company also has plans to expand into Belgium and Ireland in the coming months.

08:12 EDT Pitney Bowes announces new subsidiary Wheeler Financial - Pitney Bowes announced Wheeler Financial from Pitney Bowes, a new subsidiary of the Pitney Bowes Bank. This new subsidiary will be dedicated to helping small to middle market clients acquire the critical assets they need to grow and expand their business. Wheeler Financial from Pitney Bowes will help clients purchase new equipment and services critical to the industries in which they operate with loans, leases, and other financial structures. Pitney Bowes Financial Services has been providing commercial lending opportunities and solutions to purchase Pitney Bowes equipment for more than 30 years; financing over $10B to date. With the advent of Wheeler Financial, Pitney Bowes has access to bank capital ready to loan out to SMBs. Pitney Bowes is expanding investment in its financial services business as it makes resources available to its significant small and medium business client base.

08:10 EDT Kathleen Sebelius joins Exact Sciences Board of Directors - Kathleen Sebelius, the 21st Secretary of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, or HHS, from April 2009 to June 2014 and governor of Kansas from 2003 to 2009, joined the Board of Directors of Exact Sciences. "Secretary Sebelius understands the value of detecting cancer earlier, as well as the systemic challenges and opportunities to improve health care," said the company. "Throughout her time in public service, she always kept the needs of patients in the forefront. As we work to deliver life-changing innovations in earlier cancer detection, her experience and perspectives will be essential to helping us develop practical, next-generation tests for the screening, diagnosis and monitoring of cancers."

08:08 EDT Hoth Therapeutics names Dr. Stefanie Johns to Scientific Advisory Board - Hoth Therapeutics announced the addition of Dr. Stefanie Johns to the company's Scientific Advisory Board. The Scientific Advisory Board was formed to assist the company in developing the BioLexa Platform and other therapeutics. The BioLexa Platform is a proprietary, patented, drug compound platform developed at the University of Cincinnati.

08:07 EDT First Midwest announces approval of $180M stock repurchase program - First Midwest Bancorp announced that its Board of Directors has approved a stock repurchase program that authorizes the company to repurchase up to $180M of its common stock, or approximately 7.5% of the company's outstanding shares. Stock repurchases under this program may be made from time to time on the open market or in privately negotiated transactions, at the discretion of the company. The program will be in effect for a one-year period, with repurchases made at prices to be determined by the company. "The Board's adoption of this stock repurchase program is an important alternative within our overall capital management strategy and reflects our continuing commitment to growing long-term value for our stockholders," said Michael L. Scudder, Chairman and CEO.

08:06 EDT Canopy Growth and DNA Genetics extend and expand agreement - Canopy Growth and OG DNA Genetics announced they have signed an agreement to extend and expand upon their previously announced partnership through to 2024. With this newly signed agreement, Canopy Growth and DNA have extended their partnership beyond Canada and Jamaica and have committed to bringing DNA's world-renowned genetics to a soon-to-be disclosed European market.

08:05 EDT SB One Bancorp appoints Adriano Duarte CFO - SB One Bancorp announced the appointment of Adriano Duarte to executive VP and CFO. Duarte succeeds former CFO Steven Fusco. Duarte brings with him more than 20 years of banking experience and has been with SB One Bank since 2011. Prior to his appointment, he served as senior VP and sssistant financial officer at SB One Bank. In his new role he will be primarily responsible for financial reporting, accounting and the treasury management of the bank. Duarte will also be responsible for maintaining and building relationships with stock analysts and the investment banking community.

08:04 EDT Jones Lang LaSalle to acquire HFF in deal with equity value of approx. $2B - Jones Lang LaSalle (JLL) and HFF, Inc. (HF) announced that they have entered into a definitive agreement under which JLL will acquire all the outstanding shares of HFF in a cash and stock transaction with an equity value of approximately $2B. The transaction has been unanimously approved by the boards of directors of both companies. Under the terms of the agreement, HFF shareholders will receive $24.63 in cash and 0.1505 JLL shares for each HFF share. Based on the closing price of JLL stock of $163.02 on March 18, 2019, the cash and stock consideration to be received by HFF shareholders at closing is valued at $49.16 per HFF share. The share price represents a premium of approximately 22% and 25% compared to the volume weighted average price of HFF over 60 and 90 trading days, respectively, and a premium of approximately 6% over the closing stock price on March 18, 2019. Upon closing of the transaction, JLL shareholders are expected to own approximately 87% of the combined company, and HFF shareholders are expected to own approximately 13%. All seven Executive Committee members of HFF have agreed to vote their shares, representing 3% ownership of HFF, in favor of the transaction. Key HFF senior leaders and capital markets advisors have entered into 3-4 year commitments related to employment, non-competition and/or retention. Finally, JLL anticipates adding one of HFF's existing directors to JLL's Board of Directors effective as of the closing of the transaction. JLL intends to fund the cash portion of the purchase price consideration with a combination of cash reserves and its existing syndicated credit facility. The combination is expected to deliver "significant" run-rate synergies, estimated at approximately $60M over two to three years. The transaction is expected to close in the third quarter of 2019, subject to HFF shareholder approval and customary closing conditions, including regulatory review. The transaction is not contingent upon receipt of financing. JLL says the deal will be accretive to adjusted EPS in the first full financial year after completion and generate strong pro forma cash flow, allowing for consistent and timely deleveraging.

08:02 EDT BorgWarner appoints Kevin Nowlan as CFO - BorgWarner announced the appointment of Kevin A. Nowlan to executive vice president and CFO, effective April 1. Nowlan comes to BorgWarner from Meritor. While there, he served as the Senior Vice President and CFO since 2013 and was given the additional responsibility of President of the Trailer and Components businesses in 2018. Nowlan's career history spans a number of executive and financial leadership roles with Meritor including Controller, Treasurer and Vice President, Shared Services. The Company also announced that Thomas J. McGill will succeed Anthony D. Hensel as Vice President and Controller, effective April 1.

08:02 EDT Jones Lang LaSalle to acquire HFF in deal with equity value of approx. $2B

07:58 EDT HFF Inc. trading halted, news pending

07:54 EDT Oracle's Java SE subscription selected by Spotify - Oracle announced that Spotify has selected Oracle's Java SE Subscription in a multi-year agreement for all its Java SE needs. ntroduced by Oracle in 2018, the Java SE Subscription is a new subscription model that covers all Java SE licensing and support needs and removes enterprise boardroom concerns around mission critical, timely, software performance, stability and security updates.

07:45 EDT Biofrontera to continue research cooperation with Maruho in branded generics - Biofrontera signed an agreement to continue the expired research cooperation with Maruho regarding branded generics. Maruho holds approximately 20% of shares in Biofrontera. As part of the newly agreed project phase Biofrontera will prepare the formulation of one of the four active ingredients in Biofrontera's nanoemulsion jointly tested during a previous project phase for clinical trials. The agreement does not cover clinical testing possibly carried out during a subsequent project phase, which will be the subject of an additional agreement to be concluded between the parties in due course, depending on the results of the new project phase. Previously existing intellectual property, in particular Biofrontera's nanoemulsion technology, shall remain the property of the respective owner. New IP and results of the new project phase, including project documentation, shall be shared equally by the parties. According to the current budget, the new project phase will require up to EUR 1.1M in research costs, which are to be borne exclusively by Maruho. Should the costs exceed the currently budgeted amount to be borne by Maruho, the parties have agreed to consult on the next steps and the issue of how to bear the costs. Maruho and Biofrontera are also currently negotiating a cooperation on the research and development of further indications for Ameluz for the treatment of acne. Maruho and Biofrontera has signed a term sheet in this regard. Currently, a proof of concept trial and maximal use pharmacokinetic-trial are planned, the costs of which will be borne by Maruho in an amount yet to be specified. These trials will possibly be followed by additional clinical trials required for US market approval of further indications. Under the term sheet, it is also envisaged that Biofrontera will grant Maruho a licence for marketing Ameluz in parts of Asia and Oceania, the terms and conditions of which have yet to be negotiated.

07:37 EDT Magenta Therapeutics to declare development candidate for C100 program in 2019 - At the Transplant and Cellular Therapy meeting in February 2019, Magenta presented data from its C100 targeted conditioning program, showing potent stem and immune cell depletion with an anti-CD45 amanitin antibody-drug conjugate that was well tolerated at efficacious doses in non-human primates. The company expects to declare a development candidate for this program in 2019 and intends to develop C100 in both autoimmune diseases and blood cancers.

07:35 EDT Magenta Therapeutics plans to begin Phase 1 study of MGTA-145 agent in 2019 - The company plans to achieve the following key milestones in 2019: Present preclinical data on C100 anti-CD45 targeted conditioning program in autoimmune diseases and declare development candidate; Present preclinical data on C200 anti-CD117 targeted conditioning in gene therapy, and advance development candidate; Begin Phase 1 study of MGTA-145 first-line mobilization agent in healthy volunteers in the first half of 2019, and present clinical data in the second half of 2019; Present additional clinical data from the Phase 2 study of MGTA-456 in IMDs.

07:34 EDT Ebix announces intention to acquire Yatra Online after due diligence - Ebix announced that it has officially engaged with Yatra Online to commence its due diligence immediately, with the goal of working towards signing the agreement to acquire Yatra Online the latest by May 15. Ebix intends to merge Yatra Online in its Indian EbixCash subsidiary set up. Ebix's offer is subject to due diligence and customary regulatory and other closing conditions. EbixCash also announced that encouraged by the sales momentum the company has generated, along with its acquisition strategy towards building India's largest financial exchange.

07:32 EDT Luokung Technology signs agreement with Ping An Financial Services - Luokung Technology announced it had signed a Service Cooperation Framework Agreement with Shenzhen Ping An Comprehensive Financial Services. Pursuant to the Agreement of establishing resource, information, and technology cooperation, Luokung will provide its spatial-temporal cloud indexing technology and the world's leading vector data processing and algorithm technology to be integrated with Ping An Financial Services' business operation. On the strength of the full vector, non-tiled, mobile Internet map, Luokung is able to provide Ping An Financial Services a stable, flexible, and efficient spatial-temporal cloud computing platform. Ping An Financial Services will provide Luokung with Internet financial platform services including online financial security, settlement and third-party payment.

07:31 EDT Endo announces publication of Phase 2 data evaluating CCH - Endo International announced the publication of Phase 2 data evaluating collagenase clostridium histolyticum, or CCH, for the treatment of cellulite in Dermatologic Surgery, the official journal of the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery. CCH is the first and only investigational injectable treatment designed specifically to reduce the appearance of cellulite by disrupting the collagen structure of fibrous septae, which cause dimpling of the skin. Consistent with the recently released Phase 3 studies, the Phase 2 data recently published in the journal online, demonstrate that CCH delivered a clinically meaningful and statistically significant improvement as compared to placebo for all primary and secondary endpoints.

07:16 EDT DSW down 9% to $23.15 after mixed Q4 results

07:12 EDT Walmart GLUCODOWN sales increase 27% year to date - New sales statistics show GLUCODOWN, manufactured by Glucose Health, is benefiting from increasing consumer awareness, early in 2019. Sales of GLUCODOWN at Walmart (WMT) pharmacies are up 27% for the first seven weeks of 2019 vs. the first seven weeks of 2018. Even more impressive is the 27% sales increase in 2019 is measured against a Walmart price "Rollback" in the same period of 2018. Glucose Health expects Walmart sales of GLUCODOWN to continue to increase for the balance fiscal 2019 and additionally, to expand distribution to new national and/or large regional drug store chains. Amazon (AMZN) sales of GLUCODOWN, which launched in the third quarter of 2018, are also achieving impressive results. GLUCODOWN Raspberry earned the status of an "Amazon No. 1 New Product Release" - and not only for the diabetic iced tea category - but an "Amazon No. 1 New Product Release" for the entire iced tea category encompassing bottled diabetic, diet and regular sugared iced teas. The company will provide the latest statistics related to online sales performance on Amazon, next Tuesday, March 22.

07:09 EDT DSW CEO says FY18 'one of the best years in our company's history' - CEO Roger Rawlins, stated, "Fiscal 2018 was one of the best years in our company's history from a comparable sales and earnings growth standpoint. We crossed the $3 billion revenue threshold for the first time and drove a +6% increase in comparable sales as we strengthened connections with our customers. We built a compelling product assortment, including the expansion of DSW Kids, a differentiated services offering with our W Nail Bar partnership, and the relaunch of our award-winning loyalty program. At the same time, we strategically positioned our Company to grow share and enhance profitability through transformative acquisitions, creating an infrastructure that positions us to be a significant force in the footwear industry for years to come."

07:08 EDT Altimmune announces additional data from phase 2 NasoVAX study - Altimmune announced additional data from a Phase 2 extension study of its NasoVAX intranasal influenza vaccine candidate. Data from this study demonstrated that 100% of the evaluated subjects remained seroprotected and the seroconversion rate was unchanged more than one year after vaccination. Subjects from the highest dose group of the study were invited to return as part of a study extension to evaluate the duration of immunity 1-year post-vaccination. Of 15 subjects invited, eight returned an average of 13.5 months after vaccination. Antibody titers for all 8 subjects remained seroprotective, with a median hemagglutination inhibition titer more than 3-times higher than generally accepted seroprotective levels. Coupled with previously demonstrated mucosal antibody and T-cell related correlates of immunoprotection, NasoVAX is well positioned to compete with other influenza vaccines currently under development.

07:06 EDT Starboard files presentation opposing Bristol-Myers' proposed acquistion of Celgene - Starboard Value, a stockholder of Bristol-Myers (BMY), announced that it has issued an investor presentation opposing the company's proposed merger with Celgene (CELG), which it believes is ill-advised and not in the best interests of Bristol-Myers shareholders. Starboard also announced that it has mailed definitive proxy materials and a BLUE proxy card in connection with the company's Special Meeting of Shareholders scheduled to take place on April 12, at which Bristol-Myers shareholders will vote on the issuance of shares of Bristol-Myers common stock pursuant to the Merger. Reference Link

07:05 EDT First Majestic announces renewal of share repurchase program - First Majestic Silver announces that its board of directors has approved the extension of its share repurchase program pursuant to a normal course issuer bid in the open market through the facilities of the Toronto Stock Exchange or alternative Canadian market places over the next 12 months. Pursuant to the share repurchase, the company proposes to repurchase up to 5,000,000 common shares of the company which represents 2.54% of the 196,626,046 issued and outstanding shares of the company as of March 1. The company did not repurchase any shares for cancellation under its prior normal course issuer bid which commenced on March 21, 2018 and expires on March 20, 2019.

07:02 EDT Bristol-Myers announces filing of presentation on Celgene deal benefits - Bristol-Myers Squibb (BMY) announced that it has filed a new investor presentation with the Securities and Exchange Commission in connection with its previously announced definitive merger agreement with Celgene (CELG). According to the company, highlights of the presentation include: The Celgene acquisition is a financially and strategically compelling transaction; Bristol-Myers Squibb has generated a track-record of financial and operational outperformance; The transaction is the result of a robust process characterized by strong oversight, extensive diligence and focused planning. The Bristol-Myers Squibb board unanimously recommends that Bristol-Myers Squibb shareholders vote their shares "for" the approval of the issuance of shares of the company's common stock in connection with our proposed acquisition of Celgene prior to the special meeting, which will be held on April 12.

06:59 EDT Philip Morris announces 31 projects selected in second round of PMI IMPACT - Philip Morris International announced 31 projects selected for funding in the second round of PMI IMPACT, a global initiative supporting third party programs dedicated to fighting illegal trade and related crimes. The PMI IMPACT Expert Council reviewed and selected the projects from more than 157 proposals. The successful applicants come from 23 countries in Europe, Eastern Europe, Middle East, Asia, North and South America, representing a broad range of sectors including think tanks, academic institutions, universities and law enforcement authorities. A total of $21M has been allocated for the implementation of the selected projects.

06:47 EDT Comstock Mining receives second $1M payment for sale of properties to Tonogold - Comstock Mining announced that it received a second $1M non-refundable payment toward the sale of its Lucerne properties to Tonogold Resources. On January 28 the Company announced it entered into a definitive agreement with Tonogold for $15M in cash, $8M in obligation relief, a permanent reduction of annual operating expenses by $1M, and a retained 1.5% net smelter return royalty on Lucerne properties. The Company will transfer the ownership or control of the Lucerne properties and related permits, including the recently extended Storey County Special Use Permit for mining and processing. The Company retains ownership and/or control of the remaining land position in the Comstock district, including but not limited to the Dayton, Spring Valley and the American Flat properties. The Company expects the transaction to close over the next two months.

06:37 EDT Integrated Device wireless charging solutions selected by Samsung - Integrated Device Technology (IDTI) announced that its latest generation wireless charging solutions are used in the new Galaxy S10, S10Plus, S10e and Fold smartphones from Samsung (SSNLF). These are the most recent Samsung devices to use IDT wireless power IC solutions and all are certified to the Wireless Power Consortium's, or WPC, popular Qi charging protocol.

06:34 EDT Therapix Biosciences appoints Ambassador Ron Prosor as advisor - Therapix Biosciences announced that the company has appointed Ambassador Ron Prosor as a global growth strategy and international business development advisor. Ambassador Prosor, a diplomat for the Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Israel's former permanent representative to the United Nations, will support Therapix to develop and execute its global growth strategy and international business development. Ambassador Prosor's services will be provided as an independent consultant.

06:31 EDT CareTrust REIT increases quarterly dividend 9.8% to 22.5c per share - CareTrust REIT announced that its board has increased its quarterly common stock cash dividend from 20.5c to 22.5c per common share. The current dividend will be payable to common stockholders of record as of the close of business on March 29 and management affirmed that the company plans to pay the dividend on or about April 15. The 9.8% increase over the quarterly dividend paid during the preceding four quarters is in the same 10% range as the prior annual dividend hikes since the company's inception in 2014.

06:18 EDT Affimed to receive milestone payment under collaboration with Genentech - Affimed (AFMD) announced that the Company will receive a payment in an undisclosed amount triggered by the achievement of a preclinical milestone under its ongoing strategic collaboration with Genentech, a member of the Roche Group (RHHBY). The payment will enhance Affimed's ongoing efforts to develop and commercialize novel innate cell engager-based therapeutics based on Affimed's proprietary Redirected Optimized Cell Killing, or ROCK, platform to treat multiple cancers. Under the terms of the agreement, Affimed received $96M in upfront and committed funding from Genentech in the Q4 of FY18, and may be eligible to receive up to an additional $5B, including payments on the achievement of certain development, regulatory and commercial milestones, plus royalties on sales. Affimed also announced that Martin Treder, Chief Scientific Officer, will deliver a presentation and participate in a panel discussion during the opening session of the Innate Killer Summit, an annual industry meeting that fosters the transformation of leading science in innate immunity to next generation cancer therapies, taking place March 20-21 in San Diego, CA.

06:13 EDT Vedanta reports violent protest in Lanjigarh plant - Yesterday morning some agitators near our Lanjigarh plant staged a protest which led to a violent agitation. The local Odisha Industrial Security Force personnel, or OISF, who intervened were attacked by the protestors during which some protestors and OISF personnel got injured and they were immediately moved to the local hospital. According to the hospital authorities, one protestor and one OISF staff have succumbed to injuries.

06:13 EDT CareTrust REIT increases quarterly dividend 9.8% to 22.5c per share - CareTrust REIT announced that its board has increased its quarterly common stock cash dividend from 20.5c to 22,5c per common share. The current dividend will be payable to common stockholders of record as of the close of business on March 29 and management affirmed that the company plans to pay the dividend on or about April 15. The 9.8% increase over the quarterly dividend paid during the preceding four quarters is in the same 10% range as the prior annual dividend hikes since the company's inception in 2014.

06:10 EDT Yandex, Hyundai Mobis partner on development of autonomous cars - Yandex and Hyundai Mobis have signed a memorandum of understanding. The companies plan to jointly develop control systems for Level 4 and Level 5 autonomous vehicles, combining Yandex's established self-driving technologies with Hyundai Mobis' extensive experience in the automotive industry. The agreement also provides that the companies may expand into other areas of cooperation such as developing joint products that integrate Yandex technologies including speech, navigation, and mapping among others. The first stage of this collaboration between Yandex and Hyundai Mobis is set to focus on developing a driverless prototype vehicle based on standard Hyundai or Kia production model cars. In the future, the companies plan to build a new autonomous driving control system as an out-of-the-box solution intended for car manufacturers, car sharing services and taxi fleets.

06:08 EDT Blucora to acquire 1st Global in $180M stock purchase - Blucora announced that it entered into an agreement to acquire 1st Global, a tax-focused wealth management company. 1st Global, based in Dallas, Texas, serves about 850 independent advisors with approximately $18B in total client assets and $9B in for-fee advisory assets. The transaction, which is expected to be accretive to Blucora's earnings per share and free cash flow, brings together two leaders in the tax-focused wealth management space. The companies' business models creates synergies and growth opportunities for the combined company. 1st Global. Blucora and 1st Global believe that every financial and investment decision, at its core, is a tax decision. Integrating tax information with wealth management enables advisors to provide more advice to clients. The deal is expected to be accretive to EPS and other indicators such as advisor productivity and return on client assets. The transaction is structured as a stock purchase with a purchase price of $180M. The company intends to fund the transaction with cash on hand and a $125M add-on to its existing credit facility, due in 2024. Blucora expects to utilize its cash flow generation to deleverage. Blucora estimates the transaction can generate $23M-$24M of run-rate adjusted EBITDA accretion by the end of 2019. The transaction is expected to close in Q2, subject to regulatory approval and customary closing conditions.

06:07 EDT Amphastar granted FDA approval of ANDA for Enoxaparin Sodium Injection 300mg/3mL - Amphastar Pharmaceuticals announced that the U.S. FDA granted approval of its Abbreviated New Drug Application for Enoxaparin Sodium Injection 300mg/3mL Multiple Dose Vial. The company currently manufactures and distributes Enoxaparin Sodium Injection in prefilled syringe form and this approval of the Multiple Dose Vial allows the company to begin offering the full line of Enoxaparin products. Amphastar's newly approved product was determined by the FDA to be therapeutically equivalent to Lovenox MDV sold in the United States by Sanofi-Aventis. Amphastar plans to launch Enoxaparin MDV in the second quarter. According to IQVIA, U.S market annual sales for the 12 months ended December 31, 2018 for Enoxaparin Sodium Injection 300mg/3mL MDV was approximately $11M.

06:05 EDT Cemex to divest aggregates, ready-mix assets in Germany - Cemex announced that it has reached a binding agreement to sell its aggregates and ready-mix assets in the North and North-West regions of Germany to GP Gunter Papenburg AG for approximately EUR87M. Cemex currently expects to sign a final agreement for the sale of assets during April and close this divestment during the second quarter. The assets in Germany being divested consist of 4 aggregates quarries and 4 ready-mix facilities in North Germany, and 9 aggregates quarries and 14 ready-mix facilities in North-West Germany. The proceeds expected to be obtained from this divestment will be used mainly for debt reduction and for general corporate purposes. The closing of this transaction is subject to the satisfaction of standard conditions for this type of transactions, which includes authorization by regulators.

06:01 EDT Salem Media acquires PJ Media - Salem Media Group announced the acquisition of conservative news site PJ Media. PJ Media will become part of Townhall Media alongside conservative sites Townhall, HotAir, RedState, Twitchy, and Bearing Arms under the leadership of Vice President & General Manager Jonathan Garthwaite.