Stockwinners Market Radar for June 27, 2019 - Earnings, Upgrades downgrades, option trades, Best Stock Advisory Service

18:40 EDT Fly Intel: After Hours Movers - UP AFTER EARNINGS: CalAmp (CAMP), up 24.7%... Progress Software (PRGS), up 17.7%... Avid Bioservices (CDMO), up 10.5%. ALSO HIGHER: Arcturus (ARCT), up 0.7% after it received FDA orphan drug designation for its OC deficiency treatment... BNY Mellon (BK), Goldman Sachs (GS), Bank of America (BAC) and JPMorgan (JPM), all higher after the Fed approved capital plans of all 18 banks. DOWN AFTER EARNINGS: Smart Global (SGH), down 14.1%. ALSO LOWER: Hutchison China MediTech (HCM), down 10.7% after it filed to sell 8.5M ADSs for holders.

18:06 EDT Yamana Gold raises FY19 Jacobina gold production view to 152,000 ounces - Previous view 145,000 ounces. Sees FY20 Jacobina gold production 160,000 ounces. Sees FY21 Jacobina gold production 170,000 ounces. The company is one year ahead of schedule in its plans to increase sustainable production to 150,000 ounces per year and now forecasts life of mine production of over 170,000 ounces per year after 2021, it said. Guidance for 2019 capital costs remains unchanged. Furthermore, the company expects a similar level of total capital spending during 2020.

17:48 EDT Nike says hasn't seen impact on business due to U.S.-China dynamics

17:41 EDT Roadrunner announces resignation of CFO Terence Rogers - Roadrunner announced that Terence Rogers, Executive Vice President and CFO, is resigning from the company effective at the end of August. He will continue to assist the company throughout the transition of his responsibilities. Rogers' departure is not related to any issues or disagreement regarding the company's financial disclosures, accounting policies or practices. The company has begun a search process to identify a successor CFO who has both strong financial and operational skills. If needed after Rogers' departure, Stoelting will serve as the company's principal financial officer until a new CFO is named.

17:37 EDT Hanover Insurance enters into $150M accelerated share repurchase agreement - Hanover Insurance has entered into a $150M accelerated share repurchase agreement with Scotiabank following the completion of a $250M ASR agreement announced at the end of 2018. Pursuant to the new ASR agreement, the company expects to receive 80%, or approximately 950,000, of the shares to be delivered as of the initial settlement date of June 28. The remaining shares are expected to be delivered at the conclusion of the ASR buyback period, which will be no later than October 31. At the completion of the new ASR agreement, the company will have a remaining capacity of approximately $200M under the existing $600M share repurchase authorization.

17:30 EDT Northern Trust to raise dividend to 70c, may repurchase up to $1.4B of stock - Northern Trust announced that the Federal Reserve did not object to its 2019 Capital Plan. Pursuant to its 2019 Capital Plan, Northern Trust requested authority to increase its quarterly common stock dividend to 70c per share from 60c per share, effective in the third quarter and subject to approval by the company's board of directors. As indicated by the Federal Reserve's 2019 stress test results, Northern Trust's 2019 Capital Plan also provides the company with the flexibility to repurchase up to $1.4B of common stock through the open market or in privately negotiated transactions between July 2019 and June 2020.

17:16 EDT Lockheed Martin awarded $106.11M Army contract for Apache night vision sensors - Lockheed Martin was awarded a $106.11M firm-fixed-price domestic and foreign military sales contract for modernized target acquisition designation sight/pilot night vision sensor systems, subcomponent production and technical services for the Apache attack helicopter. One bid was solicited with one bid received. Work locations and funding will be determined with each order, with an estimated completion date of March 31, 2023. U.S. Army Contracting Command is the contracting activity.

17:14 EDT Nike says plans to unveil Women's apparel for Asian market this year - Says revenue outpaced expectations earlier this year. Says expanding inclusive sizing collections. Says distribution often one of the company's biggest barriers. Says plans to unveil Women's apparel for Asian market this year.

17:07 EDT Nike says remains brand of China and for China - Says innovation continues to win with customers in sportswear. Says "just getting started" in digital. Says accelerating digital advantage. Says confident in continuing to grow Sport. Says on way to cutting product creation cycle in half. Says remains a brand of China and for China. Says added more than $1B in Greater China in the past year. Comments taken from Q4 earnings conference call.

17:00 EDT Community Health to sell Bluefield hospital to Princeton Community subsidiaries - Community Health Systems announced that subsidiaries of the company have signed a definitive agreement to sell 92-bed Bluefield Regional Medical Center in Bluefield, West Virginia, and its associated ancillary healthcare operations to subsidiaries of Princeton Community Hospital. The transaction is expected to close in the third quarter of 2019, subject to customary regulatory approvals and closing conditions.

16:56 EDT Elastic director Michelangelo Volpi sells almost $3M in company shares - Elastic director Michelangelo Volpi disclosed in a filing that he had sold 34,778 shares of company stock at $78.19 per share on June 20. The total transaction value of the sale was $2,719,201.

16:46 EDT Bank of America approves $30.9B in share buybacks, 20% dividend increase - Bank of America announced that the Federal Reserve did not object to its capital plan following completion of the 2019 Comprehensive Capital Analysis and Review and that the company's Board of Directors approved plans to increase capital returns to shareholders. The Board approved plans for the company to return as much as $37B to common stockholders over the next four quarters through an increased quarterly common stock dividend and common stock repurchases, based on the company's current number of outstanding shares and share price. The company plans to increase by 20% its quarterly common stock dividend, to 18c per share, beginning in the third quarter. It has been authorized to repurchase approximately $30.9B in common stock from July 1, 2019 through June 30, 2020. The buybacks would include approximately $0.9B in repurchases to offset shares awarded under equity-based compensation plans during the same period.

16:46 EDT Capital One expects to maintain dividend, authorizes $2.2B in share repurchases - Capital One Financial Corporation announced that the Federal Reserve has completed its 2019 Comprehensive Capital Analysis and Review, or CCAR, and did not object to Capital One's adjusted capital plan. The company expects to maintain its quarterly dividend of 40c per share, subject to approval by its board. In addition, the company's board has authorized the repurchase of up to $2.2B of shares of the company's common stock beginning in Q3 of 2019 through the end of Q2 of 2020.

16:43 EDT Citi to raise quarterly dividend to 51c, announces $17.1B share repurchase plan - The Federal Reserve Board announced that it does not object to the planned capital actions requested by Citi as part of the 2019 Comprehensive Capital Analysis and Review. The planned capital actions include an increase of Citi's quarterly common stock dividend from 45c to 51c per share, subject to quarterly approval by Citi's Board of Directors, as well as a common stock repurchase program of up to $17.1B during the four quarters starting in the third quarter. These planned capital actions total $21.5B over the four quarters covered by the 2019 CCAR cycle.

16:42 EDT Wells Fargo announces $23.1B stock buyback, ups quarterly div to 51c per share - Wells Fargo announced that the Federal Reserve Board has not objected to the company's 2019 Capital Plan under the recently concluded Comprehensive Capital Analysis and Review of the nation's largest banks. As part of the plan, the company expects to increase its third quarter 2019 common stock dividend to $0.51 per share from $0.45 per share, subject to approval by the company's Board of Directors. The plan also includes common stock repurchases of up to $23.1 billion for the four-quarter period. In addition, the company may consider redemptions or repurchases of other capital securities as part of the plan.

16:40 EDT JPMorgan to increase dividend to 90c, announces $29.4B share repurchase plan - JPMorgan announced that the Federal Reserve Board does not object to the Firm's capital plan under the recently concluded 2019 comprehensive Capital Analysis and Review. JPMorgan Chase's Board of Directors intends to increase the quarterly common stock dividend to 90c per share, up from the current 80c per share, effective the third quarter, and has authorized gross common equity repurchases of up to $29.4B between July 1, 2019 and June 30, 2020 under a new common equity repurchase program.

16:39 EDT PNC Financial raises quarterly dividend 21% to $1.15 per share - The PNC Financial Services Group announced that the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System accepted its capital plan and did not object to its proposed capital actions. The capital plan included a recommendation to increase the quarterly cash dividend on common stock by 20 cents per share, or 21%, to $1.15 per share, in the third quarter of 2019. PNC's board of directors is expected to consider this recommendation at its next scheduled meeting on July 9, 2019. The capital plan also included share repurchase programs of up to $4.3B for the four-quarter period beginning in the third quarter of 2019.

16:38 EDT Brookfield Business Partners closes sale of BGRS - Brookfield Business Partners announced that it has closed the previously announced sale of BGRS, one of the largest global providers of executive relocation services, to Relo Group for net proceeds of approximately $230M.

16:34 EDT State Street announces planned dividend increase, $2B share repurchase plan - State Street announced that the Federal Reserve did not object to the company's capital plan, reviewed as part of the 2019 Comprehensive Capital Analysis and Review process. The capital plan includes a proposed common stock dividend increase and a new common stock purchase program. State Street's capital plan proposes an increase to the quarterly common stock dividend to 52c per share, from 47c per share, beginning in the third quarter. State Street's Board of Directors will consider this increase in common stock dividend at its regularly scheduled board meeting in September. Additionally, State Street's Board has approved a new common stock purchase program, authorizing the purchase of up to $2B of its common stock that was included in the capital plan. The program will be effective July 1, 2019 and extend through June 30, 2020.

16:34 EDT vTv Therapeutics announces initiation of Phase 2 azeliragon study - vTv Therapeutics announced that the first patient has been screened for the phase 2 proof of concept study evaluating the safety and efficacy of azeliragon in patients with mild Alzheimer's disease and type 2 diabetes. In a post hoc analysis of the phase 3 STEADFAST trial, a subgroup of patients with mild Alzheimer's disease and type 2 diabetes who were treated with azeliragon demonstrated a potential benefit in both cognition and function, less brain atrophy and glucose utilization and decreases in inflammatory biomarkers compared to the same subgroup of patients treated with placebo. This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, multicenter trial consists of sequential phase 2 and phase 3 studies operationally conducted under one protocol. Each part of the study will evaluate the efficacy and safety of azeliragon in patients with mild Alzheimer's disease. The six-month phase 2 study is designed to enroll approximately 100 patients randomized to either azeliragon 5 mg/day or placebo with the primary endpoint of change from baseline at month 6 in ADAS-cog14. The 18-month phase 3 study, to be initiated following top line results from the phase 2 study, is currently designed to enroll approximately 200 patients with co-primary endpoints of change from baseline at month 18 in cognition and function, subject to modification based upon the phase 2 results. vTv expects to report topline results from the phase 2 proof of concept study by the end of Q4 of 2020.

16:33 EDT KKR acquires five industrial distribution properties - KKR announced the acquisition of five industrial distribution properties totaling 565,644 square feet. The assets are part of KKR's Alpha Industrial Properties portfolio and increase the portfolio to eight million square feet across eight high-growth markets in the U.S. The properties are located in San Diego, California, Baltimore, Maryland and Huntington Beach, California. The buildings are shallow-bay, last mile, light industrial warehouses. The average vintage of the properties is 1995, and in-place occupancy at acquisition is 91%. The properties were acquired from three different sellers. KKR is making the investment through its Real Estate Partners Americas Fund II.

16:32 EDT BNY Mellon to raise quarterly dividend 11%, repurchase of up to $3.94B of stock - BNY Mellon (BK) announced that the company's board of directors has approved the repurchase of up to $3.94B of its common stock starting in the third quarter of 2019 and continuing through the second quarter of 2020, an increase of approximately 20% versus the prior four quarter period. The company also intends to increase BNY Mellon's quarterly cash dividend on common stock by approximately 11% from $0.28 to $0.31 per share, commencing as early as the third quarter of 2019, subject to board approval.

16:20 EDT BioCryst commences enrollment for Phase 1 BCX9930 trial - BioCryst announced that the company has begun enrollment of a Phase 1 trial of BCX9930, an oral Factor D inhibitor discovered and developed by BioCryst, for the treatment of complement-mediated diseases. The objectives of the trial are to evaluate the safety and tolerability of single and multiple ascending doses of BCX9930 in healthy subjects and to characterize the pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic profiles of BX9930 in single and multiple ascending doses of BCX9930 in healthy subjects. The company expects to report data from the trial in Q4.

16:19 EDT Washington REIT completes acquisition of Maryland tranche - WashREIT has closed the previously announced acquisition of two garden-style multifamily assets located in Montgomery County, Maryland consisting of 428 units for $82 million. These two properties represent the second tranche of WashREIT's value-add multifamily portfolio acquisition, branded 'Assembly.' The entire Assembly portfolio consists of 2,113 units across seven apartment communities in Northern Virginia and Montgomery County, Maryland. "We are executing our 2019 strategic capital allocation plan on schedule and making steady progress toward achieving our strategic objectives of de-risking our portfolio and strengthening its cash flows," said Paul McDermott, President and CEO of WashREIT. "Today's transaction completes the acquisition of the Assembly portfolio, which we believe will enable WashREIT to further capitalize on robust regional demand for value-oriented rental housing and to continue to create long-term value for our shareholders."

16:18 EDT Chiasma selected for Russell 3000 Index - Chiasma announced that the company has been selected for inclusion in the broad-market Russell 3000 Index at the conclusion of the Russell indexes annual reconstitution, effective after the U.S. market opens on July 1, according to a preliminary list of additions posted June 7. Membership in the U.S. all-cap Russell 3000 Index, which remains in place for one year, means automatic inclusion in the large-cap Russell 1000 Index or small-cap Russell 2000 Index as well as the appropriate growth and value style indexes.

16:17 EDT CDK Global plans to divest Digital Marketing Business - CDK Global announced a plan to divest its Digital Marketing Business, comprising all of the assets of its Advertising North America business segment and certain assets of its Retail Solutions North America segment related to mobile advertising solutions and website services. This decision was reached after an evaluation of the CDK portfolio, and CDK said it "aligns with the company's strategy to focus on the core suite of SaaS software and technology solutions for the markets it serves through the Retail Solutions North America and CDK International segments." Beginning with Q4, the Digital Marketing Business will be presented as discontinued operations. The company has engaged Allen & Company to identify potential buyers and evaluate proposals for the Digital Marketing Business.

16:17 EDT ManpowerGroup appoints Michelle Nettles as Chief People and Culture Officer - ManpowerGroup appointed Michelle Nettles as Chief People and Culture Officer, effective July 29. Nettles will join from Molson Coors Brewing Company, where she is Chief People and Diversity Officer and a member of the executive leadership team responsible for strategy, talent optimization and culture. At ManpowerGroup, Nettles will lead HR and culture across the organization's 80 countries and territories.

16:16 EDT Chico's board unanimously rejects proposal from Sycamore Partners - Chico's FAS announced that its Board of Directors has unanimously rejected the unsolicited proposal received from Sycamore Partners on June 19, to acquire all of the outstanding shares of Chico's FAS for $3.00 per share in cash. After reviewing the proposal in consultation with its independent financial and legal advisors, the Chico's FAS Board determined that Sycamore's proposal substantially undervalues Chico's FAS and is not in the best interests of Chico's FAS shareholders. The Board's determination follows its review and unanimous rejection of Sycamore's previous proposal on May 10 to acquire Chico's FAS for $3.50 per share in cash. David Walker, Chair of the Board, said, "Our focus is on serving the best interests of all Chico's FAS shareholders, and we are pleased with the strong support we have received from numerous Chico's FAS shareholders for the actions underway to improve the Company's performance. Notably, shareholders have also expressed their belief that Sycamore's proposal significantly undervalues the company. We remain committed to enhancing value for all Chico's FAS shareholders. We are making progress on our new operating priorities and the search for a new CEO, and will remain focused on continuing to execute in these areas."

16:15 EDT Grinrod Shipping announces transactions to modernize fleet, increase liquidity - Grindrod Shipping announced a number of transactions for the purpose of modernizing its fleet and increasing its financial flexibility and liquidity. On June 3, the company took delivery of the IVS Phoenix, a Japanese-built eco ultramax drybulk carrier newbuilding. The vessel has been chartered-in from its owner for a minimum period of three years with options to extend for up to two additional years, at Grindrod Shipping's election. Grindrod Shipping and its joint venture partners agreed to the further extension of the termination date of the IVS Bulk joint venture from June 30 to September 30. The company remains in discussions with its joint venture partners regarding strategic alternatives for IVS Bulk. The company sold a portion of the loan it had provided to one of its joint ventures. The sale was at par and provided approximately $7.5M of cash to the company. Grindrod Shipping also recently entered into a sale and leaseback transaction with a Japanese shipowner relating to the 2010-built handysize drybulk carrier, IVS Knot, for a cash amount of $13M. The company will bareboat charter the vessel back for a period of up to 11 years and has the right, but not the obligation, to acquire the vessel from the end of the second year of the charter, with the new owner having the right, but not the obligation, to sell the vessel to the company at the end of the 11 year charter period. The IVS Knot previously constituted part of the security package for our $100M senior secured credit facility and was released from the security package in connection with the closing of the sale and leaseback transaction. At closing, the sale generated approximately $6.3M of cash for the company after settling the debt associated with the vessel. The transaction closed on June 26. The sale of the IVS Kawana was concluded, with the vessel delivering to the new owner on April 30. The company still expects the Umgeni to deliver to the new owner by June 30.

16:10 EDT ICF International selected for U.S. GSA IT modernization contract - ICF has been awarded a new multiple-award blanket purchase agreement by the U.S. General Services Administration - GSA - to support the governmentwide Centers of Excellence program, a partnership initiative between GSA and the White House Office of American Innovation. The three-year Discovery BPA has a total ceiling value of $100M across all vendors. ICF is eligible to support change management, cloud adoption, contact center, customer experience, information security and IT infrastructure optimization.

16:09 EDT Chiasma provides update on Phase 3 CHIASMA OPTIMAL, MPOWERED trials - Chiasma provided an update on the clinical development of its octreotide capsules product candidate, conditionally trade-named Mycapssa, which is currently being evaluated in two ongoing, international Phase 3 clinical trials for the maintenance treatment of adults with acromegaly, the CHIASMA OPTIMAL and MPOWERED trials. In the Phase 3 CHIASMA OPTIMAL trial, which is being conducted under a special protocol assessment agreement, or SPA, with FDA, the company announced that the last enrolled patient completed the trial earlier this month. The company now expects to release top-line data by mid-Q3. All 56 patients enrolled in the trial reached the final 36-week visit with no patient dropouts from the trial reported through the 36-week double-blind and controlled phase of the trial. In the MPOWERED Phase 3 clinical trial, which is designed to support approval in the European Union, the company also announced that it has also completed enrollment. In October 2018, after 80 patients were randomized into the nine-month controlled phase of the trial, the company elected to resume enrollment in an effort to enroll additional patients exclusively located in the United States in order to gain further U.S. investigator and patient experience with octreotide capsules. Of the 146 total patients that have entered the six-month run-in phase, 84 patients have completed the run-in phase of the trial and were randomized into the nine-month randomized controlled phase, while 10 patients currently remain active in the run-in phase.

16:08 EDT Evertec, Santander collaborate to open Chilean merchant acquiring market - Evertec (EVTC) announced the signing of an agreement with Banco Santander Chile (SAN) under which Evertec will provide acquiring processing services as well as other solutions and regional expertise as Banco Santander enters the merchant acquiring business in Chile. Under this agreement, Evertec will provide Banco Santander a complete, secure and efficient cloud-based solution that includes, but is not limited to: the switching and authorization of transactions; acquiring platform for the administration of the merchant business; omni-channel solutions, including e-Commerce offerings as well as Mobile Commerce; security and fraud management and solutions.

16:05 EDT Intersect ENT names Thomas A. West CEO - Intersect ENT announced the appointment of Thomas A. West as President and Chief Executive Officer, effective July 22, 2019. He will also join the Intersect ENT Board of Directors at that time, and Kieran Gallahue will remain in his role as Executive Chairman of the Board. West has served as Division President, Diagnostics Solutions at Hologic, Inc. since October 2014. The company also today announced that Jeryl Hilleman, Chief Financial Officer, will step down as part of a planned transition at the beginning of 2020 so that she can focus on board responsibilities. The Board has initiated a search process to identify Intersect ENT's next CFO.

16:05 EDT Overstock issues new digital voting series A-1 preferred stock - Overstock.com announces the creation of a new Digital Voting Series A-1 Preferred Stock, OSTKO. OSTKO will be traded on the PRO Securities ATS, an SEC registered alternative trading system operated by PRO Securities, a tZERO subsidiary and a broker-dealer, and powered by tZERO's new security token trading technology. The majority of existing shares of the Series A Digital Preferred Stock OSTKP have been converted into the new Digital Voting Series A-1 Preferred Stock, OSTKO, with others converted into Series B Digital Preferred stock, OSTBP. The Series A Digital Preferred Stock OSTKP will be retired following the conversions.OSTKO became available for trading on the PRO Securities ATS on Thursday, June 27, 2019 -- the same platform on which tZERO's security tokens began to trade among accredited investors earlier this year. Investors must have an active brokerage account with broker-dealer Dinosaur Financial Group in order to purchase and trade OSTKO on the ATS. For such accounts, clearing and custody will be provided by Electronic Transaction Clearing and the transfer agent for OSTKO will be Computershare. Overstock.com, Inc.'s Common Stock, OSTK, and its Series B Preferred Stock, OSTBP, will continue to trade on NASDAQ.

16:03 EDT Yandex says no data compromised during attempt of cyber attack - Yandex issued the following statement on its website regarding an earlier report of a cyber attack on its service: "Cyber attacks are a common occurrence throughout the world. This particular attack was detected at an early stage by the Yandex security team. It was fully neutralized before any damage to Yandex customers' data was done. At this point in time we are not disclosing any further details about the attack. The Yandex security team's response ensured that no user data was compromised by the attack. Ensuring the security of user data is of critical importance to us. Following the attempted attack, we took the necessary measures to ensure that we would not be susceptible to such an attack in the future. We continue to employ all relevant cyber defense tools and also cooperate with leading third-party experts and providers to protect our users' privacy." Reference Link

15:46 EDT Illinois American Water acquires Alton Regional Wastewater System - Illinois American Water President Bruce Hauk announced the company's acquisition of the Alton Regional Wastewater System. The purchase adds approximately 23,000 new wastewater customers to the company's customer base in Southern Illinois. The system serves customers in Alton and nearby communities of Bethalto and Godfrey. The City of Alton voted in favor of the sale in April 2018. The Illinois Commerce Commission approved the sale on June 26, 2019. The sale was completed today.

15:25 EDT Volkswagen sets placement price at EUR 27.00 per Traton share - The placement price for the shares of Traton has been set at EUR 27.00 per share, Volkswagen announced earlier. In total, 57,500,000 existing ordinary bearer shares from the holdings of Volkswagen AG are being placed with investors, including 7,500,000 shares to cover over-allotments. Volkswagen will remain a committed majority shareholder and assuming full exercise of the greenshoe option the gross proceeds from the sale of the TRATON shares correspond to EUR 1.55B. Traton shares are scheduled to begin trading on the regulated market of the Frankfurt Stock Exchange and the regulated market of Nasdaq Stockholm under the ticker symbol 8TRA on June 28.

15:11 EDT Janssen announces FDA approval of Darzalex combo - The Janssen Pharmaceutical Companies of Johnson & Johnson announced the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approval of Darzalex in combination with lenalidomide and dexamethasone for the treatment of patients with newly diagnosed multiple myeloma who are ineligible for autologous stem cell transplant. The application received approval through the U.S. FDA's Real-Time Oncology Review pilot program.

14:50 EDT FTE Networks Inc trading resumes

14:30 EDT Medtronic recalling MiniMed pumps due to potential cybersecurity risks - The FDA is warning patients and health care providers that certain Medtronic MiniMed 508 Paradigm insulin pumps have potential cybersecurity risks. "Patients with diabetes using these models should switch their insulin pump to models that are better equipped to protect against these potential risks," the FDA said in a safety communication posted to its site. Medtronic is recalling certain affected MiniMed pumps and providing alternative insulin pumps to patients, the FDA noted. Reference Link

14:16 EDT Alexion confirms FDA approval of Soliris for treatment of NMOSD - Alexion Pharmaceuticals announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved Soliris for the treatment of neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder, or NMOSD, in adult patients who are anti-aquaporin-4 antibody positive. Approximately three quarters of all patients with NMOSD test positive for anti-AQP4 auto-antibodies, the company said. The FDA approved Soliris following an expedited six-month priority review. NMOSD is a rare, severe autoimmune disease that attacks the central nervous system without warning. The European Medicines Agency and the Japanese Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare are reviewing Alexion's applications to add the treatment of NMOSD to the marketing authorizations for Soliris in the European Union and Japan, respectively, the company noted.

13:26 EDT Genmab announces FDA approval of Darzalex combination for multiple myeloma - Genmab (GNMSF) announced that the FDA has approved the use of Darzalex in combination with lenalidomide and dexamethasone for the treatment of adult patients with newly diagnosed multiple myeloma who are ineligible for autologous stem cell transplant. The supplemental Biologics License Application for this indication was submitted by Genmab's licensing partner, Johnson & Johnson's (JNJ) Janssen Biotech, under the Real-Time Oncology Review pilot program. In August 2012, Genmab granted Janssen Biotech an exclusive worldwide license to develop, manufacture and commercialize Darzalex.

13:04 EDT Dominion seeks projects to expand solar development in Virginia - Dominion Energy Virginia is continuing its support of solar development in the Commonwealth with a pair of requests for proposals, RFPs, for smaller-scale projects to help lower its customers' carbon footprint. The Community Solar and Small Scale Solar RFPs will help the company meet its target of having 3,000 megawatts of new solar and wind energy in operation or under development by 2022 in Virginia. At peak output, that's enough energy to power 750,000 homes. The company has committed to cut carbon emissions by 55-percent by 2030 and 80-percent by 2050 across the 18 states it serves.

12:45 EDT House oversight committee seeks information from Gilead on Truvada - Rep. Elijah E. Cummings, the Chairman of the Committee on Oversight and Reform, Rep. Ro Khanna, Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, and Rep. Ayanna Pressley sent a letter to Gilead Sciences seeking information about patents held by the federal government for the HIV prevention therapy known as Truvada for pre-exposure prophylaxis. "Gilead has taken the position that the government's patents are not valid," the Members wrote. "We would like to understand whether these patents played any role in the negotiations between the company and the Department of Health and Human Services, and whether Gilead has otherwise engaged in negotiations with the U.S. government regarding these patents." Reference Link

12:35 EDT BlackBerry says Q1 metrics it reported comply with securities laws - BlackBerry Limited released the following statement regarding an article that claimed the company's Q1 earnings press release presented non-GAAP metrics in violation of U.S. securities laws. "The information in our financial disclosures complies with U.S. securities laws that apply to us as a Canadian foreign private issuer, including all rules regarding the use of non-GAAP measures. We believe the non-GAAP information, together with our GAAP information, provides shareholders with valuable information regarding our financial performance."

12:11 EDT FTE Networks Inc trading halted, news pending

12:03 EDT eXp World Holdings appoints Mitch Robinson as CMO - eXp World Holdings named Mitch Robinson as chief marketing officer. In this expanded role, he will continue to lead and advise eXp Realty marketing and communications, while also focusing on other initiatives of eXp World Holdings, including affiliated services, international expansion and VirBELA, a virtual environment for communication and collaboration. Robinson joined the eXp Realty leadership team in April 2017.

12:00 EDT VelocityShares 3x Inv Natural Gas ETN falls -7.6% - VelocityShares 3x Inv Natural Gas ETN is down -7.6%, or -$12.90 to $156.11.

12:00 EDT Companhia Brasileira de Distribuicao rises 9.5% - Companhia Brasileira de Distribuicao is up 9.5%, or $2.10 to $24.09.

12:00 EDT Howard Hughes rises 32.1% - Howard Hughes is up 32.1%, or $29.76 to $122.35.

11:39 EDT Kroger increases quarterly dividend by 14% - The Kroger Co.'s board announced it approved a dividend increase to 64c per year from 56 cents per year. The next quarterly dividend of 16c will be paid on September 1 to shareholders of record as of close of business on August 15.

11:27 EDT Howard Hughes resumes trading, up 31% after confirming strategic review plans

11:11 EDT Howard Hughes announces review of strategic alternatives - In light of recent media speculation, The Howard Hughes Corporation confirmed that its board is conducting a broad review of potential strategic alternatives to maximize shareholder value. The board is "committed to exploring this review to best serve the interests of the company's shareholders." The board has retained Centerview Partners to assist in its strategic review. A broad range of options is being considered, the company said, "including a sale, joint venture or spin-off of a portion of the company's assets; a recapitalization of the company; changes in the corporate structure of the company; or a sale of the company." Howard Hughes CEO David Weinreb said, "Our business continues to perform extremely well across our three core segments, with price per acre of land sold, net operating income, and condo sales all exceeding our expectations; however, our stock continues to languish below its net asset value per share. The Board and management are determined to close the significant gap between our share price and the company's underlying net asset value. We look forward to reporting to shareholders on the results of our strategic review and will remain focused on executing our plans during this evaluation process." The company has not set a timetable for the conclusion of its review of strategic alternatives and will provide an update as appropriate.

10:46 EDT Morgan Stanley CEO says report of Lyft synthetic short 'ridiculous' - Morgan Stanley CEO James Gorman told CNBC that allegations that his firm created a synthetic product to short shares of Lyft (LYFT) is "ridiculous." Gorman added that the initial public offering of Uber Technologies (UBER) was priced appropriately.

10:32 EDT Cumulus sells WABC in New York City to Red Apple Media for $12.5M - Cumulus Media announced that it has entered into an agreement to sell WABC in New York City to Red Apple Media for $12.5M in cash. Under the terms of the agreement, Red Apple will take responsibility for programming WABC immediately following the close of the sale, which is expected to occur in Q3 of 2019. The transaction is subject to customary closing conditions, including regulatory approval. Mary Berner, CEO of Cumulus, said, "Today's agreement with Red Apple is yet another step in the execution of our portfolio optimization priority to drive Cumulus's long-term success. Consistent with our financial goals, we intend to use the sale's net cash proceeds to pay down debt and invest in the Company to better serve our 250 million listeners and the advertisers who want to reach them. We are also pleased that WABC's excellent team will work with Red Apple following the transaction's close to continue building this iconic station's legacy."

10:21 EDT Medtronic completes acquisition of Titan Spine - Medtronic announced it has completed the acquisition of Titan Spine, a privately-held titanium spine interbody implant and surface technology company. A definitive acquisition agreement between the two companies was previously announced on May 9. The transaction acquisition is expected to be immaterial to Medtronic's FY20 adjusted EPS and is expected to meet Medtronic's long-term financial metrics for acquisitions.

10:00 EDT GMS Inc. falls -4.4% - GMS Inc. is down -4.4%, or -83c to $17.90.

10:00 EDT Conagra Brands falls -9.1% - Conagra Brands is down -9.1%, or -$2.64 to $26.29.

10:00 EDT Howard Hughes rises 8.9% - Howard Hughes is up 8.9%, or $8.28 to $100.87.

09:50 EDT ASV Holdings trading resumes

09:49 EDT Howard Hughes jumps over 11% after CNBC says company exploring alternatives

09:47 EDT Conagra Brands falls -6.6% - Conagra Brands is down -6.6%, or -$1.90 to $27.03.

09:47 EDT GMS Inc. falls -7.7% - GMS Inc. is down -7.7%, or -$1.45 to $17.28.

09:47 EDT Companhia Brasileira de Distribuicao rises 8.6% - Companhia Brasileira de Distribuicao is up 8.6%, or $1.90 to $23.89.

09:35 EDT Nevada reports May statewide gaming win down 5.96% to $981.84M - Reports May Las Vegas Strip gaming win down 11.07% to $517.35M. Publicly traded companies in the casino space include Boyd Gaming (BYD), Caesars (CZR), Las Vegas Sands (LVS), MGM Resorts (MGM), Penn National (PENN) and Wynn Resorts (WYNN).

09:32 EDT Chembio receives CE mark for multiplex test for Zika, Dengue, Chikungunya - Chembio Diagnostics announced that is has obtained a CE mark for its DPP Zika/Dengue/Chikungunya multiplex test system. Chembio's DPP Zika/Dengue/Chikungunya multiplex test allows simultaneous and discrete detection of antibodies for both active and prior exposure to the Zika, dengue, and chikungunya viruses, which is important for both treatment and surveillance. The test is performed using a small drop of fingertip blood and provides quantitative results in approximately 15 minutes when used with the company's handheld DPP Micro Reader.

09:22 EDT Cemtrex EMS segment receives $6M in new orders - Cemtrex announced that the company received approximately $6M new orders in its Electronics Manufacturing Services Segment over the last few months and its backlog remains strong at $50M. The company's recent orders were driven primarily by customers in medical devices, automotive technology, automation, and measurement devices. The orders came from both new customers and existing customers such as ERBE, ABB, and Heinzmann. Cemtrex's EMS segment achieved approximately $44M in revenues in CY 2018.

09:18 EDT Nicolet Bankshares to acquire Choice Bancorp - Nicolet Bankshares and Choice Bancorp executed a definitive merger agreement, pursuant to which Nicolet will acquire Choice and its wholly-owned banking subsidiary, Choice Bank. The move will expand Nicolet's presence in the greater Oshkosh marketplace to the lead-local community bank as measured by deposit market share. The combined company would have pro forma total assets of $3.5b, deposits of $2.8B and loans of $2.5B. In the merger, Choice shareholders will receive 0.5 share of Nicolet common stock for each share of Choice stock. the merger consideration is valued at approximately $72.4M, which excludes Nicolet's pre-existing ownership of Choice shares. The estimated transaction value is a 2.0 multiple of Choice's tangible book value as of March 31, and equates to approximately 15.9x Choice's trailing twelve-month net income through March 31. Post-merger, Scott Sitter will join the management team of Nicolet and will be the Senior VP and Commercial Banking Manager of Oshkosh/Fox Valley. The customer-facing employees of Choice are expected to stay on in the same capacity. The transaction is expected to close in Q4. Upon consummation of the transaction, both branch offices of Choice Bank are expected to open as Nicolet National Bank branches.

09:15 EDT TC Energy launches binding open season for Keystone Pipeline System - TC Energy Corporation launched an open season to solicit binding commitments for crude oil transportation services on the Keystone Pipeline System from Hardisty, Alberta to markets on the U.S. Gulf Coast.

09:14 EDT Volt Information Sciences names Lori Schultz Chief Global Solutions Officer - Volt Information Sciences announced the promotion of Lori Schultz to the executive role of Chief Global Solutions Officer. In her new role, she will add management of the company's international business segment and its Arctern subsidiary to her responsibilities.

09:13 EDT Psychiatrist debuts BrainsWay's FDA-cleared treatment for MDD, OCD - Dr. Fabian Carbonell is the first psychiatrist in Chicago to offer patients with depression and obsessive-compulsive disorder the ability to be treated with BrainsWay's Deep Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation therapy. Deep TMS administers magnetic waves through a cushioned helmet to targeted deep structures of the brain that have a large impact on patients' symptoms. The treatment is noninvasive with no systemic side effects and requires no hospitalization or anesthesia, allowing patients to resume normal activities, such as driving, immediately following the session. BrainsWay's depression helmet has been cleared by the FDA since 2013. BrainsWay recently received FDA clearance for targeting OCD, making it the first noninvasive medical device cleared to treat OCD and first TMS system to treat multiple mental health conditions.

09:10 EDT BASF announces restructuring, to cut 6,000 positions by end of 2021 - BASF announced an organizational realignment that it said "is creating the conditions for greater customer proximity, increased competitiveness and more profitable growth." The company stated: "BASF is streamlining its administration, sharpening the roles of services and regions and simplifying procedures and processes. As a result, the company expects savings of EUR300M, as part of the ongoing excellence program, which is anticipated to contribute EUR2B to earnings annually from the end of 2021 onwards. In the course of the strategy implementation, BASF expects a reduction of a total of around 6,000 positions worldwide until the end of 2021. This decrease results from the organizational simplification and from efficiency gains in administration and services as well as in the operating divisions. In addition, central structures are being streamlined in the context of the announced portfolio changes. BASF will continue to need additional employees in fields like production or digitalization, depending on future growth rates...The role of regions and countries is being sharpened. They represent BASF locally and support the growth of business units with local proximity to customers. First changes will take effect on January 1, 2020." In view of the current changes and further changes planned until the end of 2021, management and employee representatives have jointly decided to move forward the start of negotiations on a new site agreement for the BASF SE. The current site agreement is valid until the end of December 2020. The goal is to sign a new agreement in the first half of 2020, BASF said.

09:08 EDT Mondelez announces renewable energy partnership with Enel Green Power - Mondelez International and Enel Green Power North America announced the signing of a twelve-year power purchase agreement under which Mondelez International will purchase the energy delivered to the electricity grid from a 65 MW portion of Enel Green Power North America's Roadrunner project, a solar farm in Texas, United States. The agreement is Mondelez International's largest renewable energy partnership at a global level and their first renewable energy PPA signed in the U.S. The partnership enables Mondelez International to make substantial progress against its sustainability goals by reducing 80,000 metric tons of carbon dioxide emissions - that's 5% of the company's global manufacturing emissions. Enel Green Power North America, part of the Enel Group's global renewable energy business line Enel Green Power, owns and will operate the 497 MW Roadrunner solar farm currently under construction. Mondelez International will purchase the energy generated by a 65 MW portion of the project, which is enough to produce more than 50 percent of all the Oreo cookies consumed in the U.S. annually. The Roadrunner solar project, located in Upton County, Texas, is Enel Green Power's largest solar project in the U.S. Once fully operational, the solar plant will be able to generate approximately 1.2 TWh annually, while avoiding the emission of over 800,000 tons of CO2 per year.

09:06 EDT Bsquare Corp selected by Arcus FM in the U.K. - Bsquare announced an agreement with Arcus FM, a U.K. facilities management provider, to develop a distributed intelligence management solution to serve Arcus' portfolio of clients. For its clients, Arcus maintains thousands of buildings and assets. Bsquare's work with Arcus will include collecting data into the cloud from many different sources and provide detailed information to Arcus for a rapid response to identified problems.

09:03 EDT Overstock.com subsidiary tZERO launches crypto wallet mobile app - Overstock.com announced its subsidiary tZERO, through its tZERO Crypto unit, has launched its digital wallet and exchange services mobile app for digital currencies. The tZERO Crypto App enables users to buy, sell, and hold digital currencies efficiently and securely, directly on their mobile phone. The initial app launch supports bitcoin and ethereum trading and is compatible with iOS devices, with Android compatibility coming soon. tZERO Crypto is committed to compliance and safety, and the app uses biometric authentication to enhance security against hacks and lost passwords. It introduces tZERO's groundbreaking Private Key Recovery System, which allows funds to be restored if a user loses his or her private keys or smartphone.

09:03 EDT Yext and Hootsuite launch platform integration for customer reviews - Yext announced a new global integration with Hootsuite, a social media management platform, that allows mutual customers to manage all of their reviews and social channels from a single platform. With the new integration, businesses can bring Yext Reviews into the Hootsuite platform, so they can monitor, analyze, and respond to customer reviews in the same Hootsuite dashboard where they are already managing their social media presence.

09:01 EDT Ovid Therapeutics expects interim data from ENDYMION trial in Q3 - Ovid continues to enroll in the open-label extension ENDYMION trial for individuals with DEE who previously completed a clinical trial with OV935. Interim data from the ENDYMION trial are expected in the third quarter of 2019. The open-label Phase 2 ARCADE trial in individuals with Dup15q syndrome or CDKL5 Deficiency Disorder continues to enroll. Data from the ARCADE trial are expected in the first quarter of 2020. The global Phase 2 ELEKTRA trial in children with Dravet syndrome or Lennox-Gastaut syndrome continues to enroll.

08:59 EDT Ovid Therapeutics plans to enroll patients in Phase 3 NEPTUNE trial in Q3 - Following an End-of-Phase 2 Meeting with the FDA held in 2018 and a subsequent FDA Type C Meeting held in 2019, Ovid has initiated the pivotal Phase 3 NEPTUNE trial, which includes the following elements: 12-week, two-arm, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial; Once-daily dose of OV101 or placebo; Approximately 60 pediatric patients ages 4 to 12 years diagnosed with Angelman syndrome; The sole primary endpoint for the Phase 3 NEPTUNE trial will be the Angelman syndrome-specific CGI-I-AS scale. The CGI-I scale is the same as that used in the Phase 2 STARS trial. Ovid refined CGI-I anchors and clinician training materials specific to the core symptoms of Angelman syndrome, renaming the endpoint CGI-I-AS; The trial includes secondary endpoints for sleep, communication, motor skills, socialization, daily living skills and behavior domains; A limited number of children ages 2-3 years will also be enrolled to study pharmacokinetics and safety/tolerability. Ovid plans to enroll the first patients in the Phase 3 NEPTUNE trial in the third quarter of 2019, with topline results from the trial expected by mid-2020. The open-label extension ELARA trial for individuals with Angelman syndrome who previously completed a clinical trial with OV101 continues to enroll patients. Ovid has also received agreement from German regulatory authorities regarding the design of the Phase 3 NEPTUNE trial and the use of CGI-I-AS as a sole primary outcome measure. Ovid expects to conduct scientific advice meetings with the European Medicines Agency's Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use during the second half of 2019 to discuss the regulatory approval pathway for OV101 in Europe

08:55 EDT ASV Holdings trading halted, news pending

08:48 EDT Chanticleer Holdings' brands to offer Beyond Meat burgers starting July 1 - Chanticleer Holdings (BURG) announced that Beyond Meat (BYND) burgers will be available starting July 1st at its multiple better burger brands locations, offering consumers a 100 percent plant-based Beyond Burger patty. Participating brands include Little Big Burger, American Burger Company, and Burgers Grilled Right, comprising 45-plus individual store locations. Each brand has designed its own unique burger build using fresh local ingredients. The Beyond Burger patty is free from GMOs, gluten and soy and has lower saturated fat than regular beef, but still delivers flame-broiled flavor and 20g of plant-based protein.

08:43 EDT Norauto implements Determine's Invoice Management solution - Determine announced that Norauto has implemented the Determine Invoice Management solution module to expand its functional procurement capabilities. Norauto, which already leverages the cloud-based Determine Procurement solution, has added Determine's invoicing module to create an extended, unified solution continuum in order to generate additional business benefits.

08:41 EDT Texas Pacific Land Trust comments on recent actions of dissident group - Texas Pacific Land Trust commented on what the recent actions of the dissident group reveal about the group's apparent intentions for the Trust: "On June 24, 2019, the Trustees of TPL announced the formation of a Conversion Exploration Committee to evaluate the conversion of TPL into a C-corporation - one of the dissidents' core campaign demands (and something Trustee nominee General Don Cook has promised throughout his campaign to thoroughly explore). As part of this announcement, the Trustees invited Horizon Kinetics to designate a representative to join the Committee, which would give them an opportunity to participate in deliberations on the future of the Trust. Instead of identifying a representative to join the Committee, the dissident group has now filed in court a motion for declaratory judgment that Trustee David Barry was not validly elected back in January 2017 - based on their sudden claim that the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) made what the dissidents call an "error" two and a half years ago. They are also seeking an injunction to enjoin the Trustees "from taking any action on TPL's behalf," which would effectively render this $6 billion market cap company powerless, ultimately destroying shareholder value by disrupting TPL's operations. Contrary to the dissidents' assertions, David Barry was validly elected in January 2017 by nearly two-thirds of the votes cast. It is now clear that the dissidents have been misleading shareholders about their apparent intentions all along. The dissidents' motion is nothing other than an effort to seize control of not just one, but two of the three Trustee seats. In doing so, the dissidents have laid bare their apparent intention: to undertake a hostile takeover by seizing control of TPL without paying a control premium to all shareholders. What's at risk if the dissident group obtains control of TPL? We believe they would push for a sale of TPL.1 Although Horizon Kinetics' investment in TPL has performed extraordinarily well, many of the fund's remaining investments have been lackluster.2 Horizon Kinetics may want to cash out of some of their TPL position to compensate for other investments. However, with a large stake in a relatively thinly traded stock, Horizon Kinetics cannot sell its position without driving down the price. Even worse, under federal securities laws, Horizon Kinetics is subject to strict volume limitations for sales of TPL stock, which means it could take the fund several years to monetize its position in TPL through sales on the open market.3 That may leave Horizon Kinetics feeling that it has no other choice than to push for a sale of TPL - with no concern as to whether the other shareholders would receive full value. After all, just imagine if we had sold TPL two years ago when it was merely a ~$2 billion company?4 We would have left billions of dollars in shareholder value on the table. On multiple previous occasions, Horizon Kinetics assured the Trustees and management that they were pleased with TPL's performance and that their only issue was the need to modernize the Trust's corporate governance. Their actions since the beginning of this campaign, however, tell a different story. The Trust has made substantial efforts to accommodate the dissidents, but they have refused to take part in any constructive conversation. For example: On April 5, Horizon Kinetics first agreed to consider a compromise candidate but reneged on that promise the following day. On May 8, the Trustees sent a communication labeled "Subject to Settlement Privilege/Confidential" to Horizon Kinetics in an effort to set up a meeting to discuss an amicable resolution. Instead of agreeing to meet, the dissidents published the confidential communication in a remarkable breach of ethical norms. And now, the dissidents have refused to participate in the evaluation of conversion to a C-corp, which has supposedly been one of their core campaign issues. It has now become clear that the dissidents' campaign is actually not really about TPL's corporate structure, "ethical corporate governance" or "transparency." The dissidents don't want any amicable resolution that leaves them without the true prize: control of the Trust. After all, TPL is a prized asset, having outperformed 99% of the NYSE in the past five years leading up to the dissidents' proxy contest. The Trustees will take all necessary actions to protect TPL and its value for all shareholders."

08:36 EDT Paysign appoints Matt Lanford as Chief Product Officer - Paysign announced the appointment of Matt Lanford as Chief Product Officer. Most recently, he served as SVP and General Manager of the Financial Services division of InComm.

08:35 EDT PFSweb engaged by Shiseido Americas to provide order fulfillment - PFSweb has been engaged by Shiseido Americas to provide eCommerce order fulfillment for six of their brands in the United States. This multi-year contract is supported by PFSweb's operations business unit, PFS. PFS is providing a range of services for Shiseido's brands to support their direct-to-consumer eCommerce sites. These services include warehouse management, inventory control, order fulfillment and returns management. The brands include: NARS, Shiseido, Cle de Peau Beaute, Laura Mercier, bareMinerals, and BUXOM. This first of 6 brands, Shiseido, went live in May 2019 with subsequent brand launches to follow through the rest of the year and into 2020.

08:33 EDT Durect submits response to FDA's Complete Response Letter for Posimir - Durect has submitted a full response to the Complete Response Letter it previously received from the FDA related to Posimir. The submission is intended to address the issues raised in the CRL and seeks FDA approval of Posimir based on what the company and its advisors believe is adequate evidence of both safety and efficacy. Durect commissioned the advisory services of Lee S. Simon to first evaluate the adequacy of the existing Posimir package to address the issues raised in FDA correspondence, including the CRL, and then to lead the company's efforts to submit its response to the CRL. The company expects a six-month FDA review period.

08:32 EDT Evoke Pharma request Type A FDA meeting for resubmission of Gimoti NDA - Evoke Pharma announced that it has submitted a type A meeting request and meeting package to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to discuss the Complete Response Letter dated April 1, 2019 regarding Evoke's New Drug Application for Gimoti for the relief of symptoms associated with acute and recurrent diabetic gastroparesis. The purpose of the meeting is to discuss and gain clarity on the approvability issues relating to clinical pharmacology and product quality/device quality described in the CRL. During the meeting, Evoke plans to discuss the Company's strategy to address these issues as well as any other matters pertaining to the steps required for the resubmission of the Gimoti NDA. No safety concerns were raised and no additional clinical data were requested in the CRL. The type A meeting, if granted, is expected to occur within thirty days of FDA's receipt of the meeting request and meeting package. Evoke will provide an update on the timing of resubmission of the NDA for Gimoti after receipt of the FDA's final meeting minutes, which typically become available within thirty days after the type A meeting.

08:30 EDT NBA player Montrezl Harrell signs multi-year sneaker, apparel deal with AND1 - AND1 and its newest ambassador, NBA baller Montrezl Harrell, will heat up summertime lineups, make memorable home-court renovations across urban parks, and will participate in an exclusive sneaker drop at NBA Summer League in July. Harrell inked a multi-year sneaker and apparel deal with AND1. The certified sneakerhead has made national headlines for his signature, mid-game sneaker switch-outs. His designs have featured everything from animated characters, tributes and memorials to hip-hop icons like Tupac, The Notorious BIG and Nipsey Hussle. AND1 has already begun planning Harrell's player edition shoes for the 2020 NBA season. The brand has appointed a special shoe and apparel designer to work with Harrell in bringing the player's design ideas to life on the court. Harrell will exclusively wear the shoes during NBA games.

08:27 EDT CareDx 'applauds' progress in Medicare immunosuppressive medication legislation - CareDx said it, "applauds progress towards guaranteeing lifelong Medicare coverage of immunosuppressive medications for kidney transplant recipients.Recent conversations with legislative champions' offices indicate that the reintroduction of the Comprehensive Immunosuppressive Drug Coverage for Kidney Transplant Patients Act is imminent and expected this summer. The legislation would extend Medicare coverage for kidney transplant patients for the lifetime of the transplanted kidney" CareDx CEO Peter Maag presented at the American Association of Kidney Patients Policy Summit in Washington, D.C. on June 19, 2019. In a presentation to community leaders and kidney patients, he shared that "CareDx remains dedicated to improving the long-term health outcomes of transplant patients and a key component of that is ensuring patients have access to immunosuppressive medications for the life of their transplanted kidney. Medicare's current policy is costing the US health system and tax payers millions of dollars each year and even worse, costing patients their lives. The time for a legislative fix is long overdue and we're happy to work with the community to finally make it happen." CareDx has been working with other members of the kidney and transplant community, including AAKP, the National Kidney Foundation, the American Society of Nephrology, and Renal Physicians Associates, among many others, to urge Congress to pass legislation that would end Medicare's current three-year cap on immunosuppressive medications.

08:23 EDT Ovid Therapeutics initiates Phase 3 trial of OV101 - Ovid Therapeutics announced that following a Type C Meeting with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, it has initiated the pivotal Phase 3 NEPTUNE trial with OV101, a novel delta selective GABAA receptor agonist, in Angelman syndrome. Ovid plans to enroll the first patients in NEPTUNE during the third quarter of 2019 and anticipates topline data from the trial to be available by mid-2020. The results of the trial, if positive, are intended to support a New Drug Application for OV101 for the treatment of Angelman syndrome.

08:21 EDT Entasis Therapeutics announces new results on antimicrobial programs - Entasis Therapeutics Holdings announced multiple presentations of its innovative programs including sulbactam-durlobactam, zoliflodacin and ETX0282CPDP, during the American Society for Microbiology Microbe Conference 2019. Durlobactam has been approved as the international nonproprietary name for ETX2514. During the conference, Ruben Tommasi, PhD, Chief Scientific Officer at Entasis, provided an overview of the Company's pipeline, underscoring the broad antibacterial activity of sulbactam-durlobactam against Acinetobacter through inhibition of Class A, C and D beta-lactamases and the potential utility of zoliflodacin as a novel single-dose oral treatment for gonorrhea. Dr. Tommasi also discussed ETX0282CPDP's potential as a best-in-class oral agent with potent microbiological activity against multi-drug resistant Enterobacteriaceae, and the Company's novel non-beta-lactam PBP inhibitor program designed to address serious Gram-negative infections. John O'Donnell, Senior Director of Drug Metabolism and Pharmacokinetics at Entasis, spoke and provided a poster presentation on pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics and dose projections for sulbactam-durlobactam. These results formed the basis of the dosing regimen tested in the Phase 2 and ongoing ATTACK Phase 3 clinical trial. John Mueller, PhD, Chief Development Officer of Entasis, reviewed novel therapies targeting drug-resistant gonorrhea, including Entasis' first-in-class antibiotic zoliflodacin, which represents the only known novel treatment in late-stage development against this pathogen. In addition, multiple poster presentations demonstrated the potent antibacterial activity of sulbactam-durlobactam against recent geographically diverse, multidrug-resistant Acinetobacter isolates, and the potent antibacterial activity of ETX0282CPDP against contemporary multidrug-resistant Enterobacteriaceae isolates.

08:17 EDT ContraVir Pharmaceuticals submits IND application for CRV431 - ContraVir Pharmaceuticals announced the filing of an Investigational New Drug application with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration CRV431 for the treatment of NASH. ContraVir's proposed IND opening study is entitled, "An Open-Label Study to Investigate the Effect of Hepatic Impairment on the Pharmacokinetics of CRV431." The study will enroll 24 patients, consisting of eight with mild, eight with moderate, and eight with severe hepatic impairment, based on Child-Pugh scores. Up to an additional 24 healthy subjects will serve as the control group. The objective of the IND opening study and proposed clinical development program is to characterize the role of CRV431 monotherapy as anti-fibrotic treatment in NASH patients. This application, number IND142904, follows an earlier IND that was approved for the hepatitis B virus indication. Under the previous IND for HBV, ContraVir has completed a phase 1 single ascending dose study in healthy human subjects, demonstrating good safety and tolerability and defining the pharmacokinetics of CRV431. A second clinical study of CRV431 examined the pharmacokinetics of CRV431 when co-administered with tenofovir disoproxil fumarate. The Company expects to initiate a third clinical study of CRV431, in the near future, to determine safety, tolerability, and pharmacokinetics after repeated, escalating oral dosing in HBV patients over a period of 28 days.

08:14 EDT VirTra announces contract wins in Southern California - VirTra has expanded its presence across Southern California with recent contract wins and installations in four separate departments in Southern California. The cumulative value of the contracts from these four departments totals nearly $780,000. Two of these orders were shipped from VirTra's backlog, while the other two represent new contract wins. VirTra expects to recognize all revenues by the fourth quarter of 2019.

08:13 EDT Aurinia Pharmaceuticals holder ILJIN comments on Aurinia annual meeting - ILJIN, a founding shareholder of Aurinia Pharmaceuticals, which together with certain affiliates holds an approximate 14% ownership interest in Aurinia, commented on the voting results of the Aurinia annual meeting of shareholders. Young-Hwa Kim, CEO of ILJIN, said: "As the largest shareholder of Aurinia, we have felt strongly that strengthening governance at Aurinia is critical, particularly at this important juncture in the company's evolution. Alignment with shareholders is paramount, and we have seen the company react by adopting some of our recommendations regarding things such as compensation practices. Many shareholders agree, based on the vote result, that compensation is misaligned and more must be done. We are appreciative of the support we received from many of our fellow shareholders during the course of this campaign to bring positive change and remove conflicts at the board level. ILJIN will continue to be an active voice for all shareholders in support of the value potential of Aurinia and expect the board and management to continue taking steps forward to better align with the owners of the company."

08:12 EDT Sunworks awarded follow-on order with Cibao Meat Products - Sunworks announced it has been awarded an engineering, procurement and construction contract to develop a 200kW car port solar system for Cibao Meat Products, a specialty food manufacturer based in Rockaway, New Jersey. This new project win is expected to generate nearly $1M in revenue for Sunworks with engineering and construction commencing during the fourth quarter of 2019.

08:10 EDT Xeris Pharmaceuticals doses first patient in ready-to-use glucagon Phase 2 trial - Xeris Pharmaceuticals announced that is has dosed the first subject in a Phase 2 trial with its developmental ready-to-use glucagon in patients who experience hypoglycemic episodes following bariatric surgery.

08:09 EDT Energy Focus appoints Tod Nestor as president, CFO - Energy Focus announced that Tod Nestor will join the company as its President, CFO and Secretary on July 1, 2019. From 2017 to 2018, Nestor served as EVP and CFO of Alumni Ventures Group.

08:07 EDT Atossa says preliminary Phase 2 study of Endoxifen achieves primary endpoint - Atossa Genetics announced that a preliminary analysis from its recently completed Phase 2 study of the company's proprietary 20mg daily topical Z Endoxifen showed significant and rapid reduction in mammographic breast density. Studies by others using tamoxifen have demonstrated that density reduction induced by tamoxifen is associated with a significant reduction in breast cancer incidence. A summary of preliminary results of the study follows: MBD was reduced by an average of 14.3 percent in the group applying 20mg daily topical Endoxifen, which was statistically significant. In the lower dose group, MBD was reduced by an average of 9.0 percent. These results are based on MBD measurements at the time of enrollment in the study and again at the time dosing ended, which was a mean of 55 and 88 days for the 20mg and 10mg groups, respectively. Approximately 70 percent of participants receiving 20mg topical Endoxifen experienced a reduction in MBD, and of those, the mean reduction in MBD was 27 percent. There were no significant differences in systemic endocrine or vascular side effects in the placebo versus active groups. Systemic side effects were measured using a modified validated symptom questionnaire. The most commonly experienced side effect for both groups receiving active drug were skin rashes and local irritation. The results indicate a study with approximately 50-100 subjects per dosage group would be appropriate to demonstrate efficacy for regulatory approval purposes.

08:05 EDT Zogenix announces FDA agreement to proceed with resubmission of FINTEPLA NDA - Zogenix announced that following receipt of final minutes from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration from the Type A meeting held on May 30, 2019, the Company intends to resubmit its New Drug Application for FINTEPLA for the treatment of seizures associated with Dravet syndrome in the third quarter of this year. The Type A meeting was conducted to review the two issues identified in the Refusal to File letter issued by the FDA on April 5, 2019: first, certain non-clinical studies were not submitted to allow assessment of the chronic administration of fenfluramine; and, second, the application contained an incorrect version of a clinical dataset. Based on the final meeting minutes received, the FDA has agreed to Zogenix's plan to resubmit the NDA for FINTEPLA without the inclusion of the new chronic toxicity studies requested in the RTF letter. With regards to the second issue, the Company conducted and discussed with the FDA a root cause analysis to explain the incorrect clinical dataset submitted in the original NDA, and the FDA is in agreement with the Company's plan for resubmission of the datasets in the NDA. Separately, the FDA has rescinded Breakthrough Therapy Designation for FINTEPLA for the treatment of seizures associated with Dravet syndrome because there are now two approved therapies for the disease and, therefore, the administrative criteria for designation are no longer met. The results from the FINTEPLA clinical program demonstrated that patients adding FINTEPLA to a stiripentol-based regimen experienced a 54.7% greater reduction in mean monthly convulsive seizure frequency compared to patients adding placebo. However, no such comparisons were possible with cannabidiol since it was an investigational product at the time the FINTEPLA pivotal trials were conducted and was therefore an excluded treatment. Zogenix does not expect the rescission of Breakthrough Therapy Designation to limit the potential for Priority Review status for the Company's resubmitted NDA.

08:02 EDT Aileron Therapeutics announces FDA acceptance of IND for ALRN-6924 - Aileron Therapeutics announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has accepted its Investigational New Drug application for ALRN-6924 as a myelopreservation agent in patients with p53-mutant cancers treated with chemotherapy. The Company expects to enroll up to 40 patients in the Phase 1b portion of the planned Phase 1b/2 trial to evaluate the safety, tolerability, and efficacy of ALRN-6924 with topotecan as a 2nd line therapy for small cell lung cancer patients. The study will use existing standard gene tests, such as the 'Foundation One' panel, to screen patients for p53-mutation.

07:43 EDT Apellis complete enrollment of Phase 3 APL-2 head-to-head study - Apellis Pharmaceuticals announced the completion of enrollment for its PEGASUS Phase 3 trial assessing the safety and efficacy of APL-2 in patients with paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria compared to eculizumab. The study enrolled 80 patients, approximately half of whom were transfusion dependent. Apellis expects to release top-line data in December 2019. PEGASUS is a randomized, active-controlled study comparing APL-2 monotherapy to eculizumab monotherapy in patients currently on treatment with eculizumab who have a hemoglobin level less than10.5 g/dL, regardless of eculizumab dose or transfusion history. In the trial, patients are co-treated for 4 weeks with APL-2 and eculizumab, and then randomized to either APL-2 monotherapy or eculizumab monotherapy for a 16-week randomized controlled period. The primary endpoint is change from baseline to week 16 in hemoglobin level. Key secondary endpoints include transfusion avoidance during the 16-week randomized controlled period, as well as week 16 changes from baseline in reticulocyte count, lactate dehydrogenase levels and FACIT-Fatigue scale score. The 16-week randomized controlled period is followed by a 32-week open-label treatment period in which all subjects will receive treatment with APL-2 monotherapy. APL-2 is being developed for patients with PNH, autoimmune hemolytic anemia, complement-associated kidney diseases, and geographic atrophy. Cumulative systemic exposure is over 50 patient years of treatment on APL-2. There have been no serious adverse drug reactions in the systemic development programs for hematology indications to date.

07:39 EDT OpGen says Acuitas panel shows potential to reduce total time to therapy - OpGen announced the presentation of data obtained from the first multisite assessment evaluating the potential clinical utility of its Acuitas AMR Gene Panel using clinical samples. The study tested 531 remnant urine specimens from Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Geisinger, and Intermountain Healthcare with the Acuitas AMR Gene Panel, to detect five pathogens and 47 antibiotic resistance genes common to urinary tract infections. Results for the Acuitas AMR Gene Panel were produced in less than three hours. These data were presented on June 22 by Geisinger researchers at ASM Microbe 2019 in a poster titled "Verification of Real Time PCR for the Detection of Antibiotic-Resistance Markers and Semi-Quantitation of Urinary Tract Pathogens from Urine Samples." For the two most prevalent microbial species, E. coli and K. pneumoniae, the Acuitas Gene Panel had a total agreement of 96% and 97%, respectively, for pathogen detection, compared to MALDI-ToF mass spectrometry. Acuitas Lighthouse predictions for phenotypic Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing showed 93% total agreement for E. coli and 92% total agreement for K. pneumoniae, when compared to each site's method for phenotypic AST. The total agreement by antibiotic class for both the E. coli and K. pneumoniae pathogens averaged 97% for aminoglycosides, 92% for fluoroquinolones, and 93% for cephalosporins. These data demonstrate that the Acuitas AMR Gene Panel and Acuitas Lighthouse informatics may have the potential to serve as a front-line diagnostic to reduce time to targeted therapy for urinary tract infections, reducing length of stay and mortality.

07:37 EDT Conagra Brands says Q4 results 'below expectations' - Sean Connolly, president and CEO of Conagra Brands, commented, "During fiscal 2019, we made tremendous progress on improving the long-term health of our business. We launched our largest innovation slate to date while supporting our brands through robust marketing programs. These actions have led to strong consumption growth and steadily improving base velocities in our strategically important frozen and snacks portfolios. I am also pleased with the progress we have made on Pinnacle since we closed the acquisition in October 2018, and the integration remains on-track. With a multi-year innovation pipeline now in place for the Pinnacle portfolio, and more opportunity in plant-based meat alternatives than previously forecasted, we are as optimistic as ever about the long-term value creation potential of the acquisition." He continued, "While our results in the fourth quarter were below expectations, we did make good progress in key areas of the business. In addition to the progress on Pinnacle, strong consumption trends in our frozen and snacks businesses demonstrated the strength of our innovation and the effectiveness of our marketing programs. However, much of our progress was overshadowed by transitory events, including intensified promotional competition in certain categories, several isolated manufacturing-related challenges, and weak performance in our Ardent Mills joint venture. Looking ahead, we remain confident that the Conagra Way is the right approach to drive long-term profitable growth and shareholder value. Consistent with this belief, we are increasing our organic net sales growth guidance and maintaining our EPS guidance range for fiscal 2020 before adjusting for the Gelit divestiture."

07:33 EDT Kitov Pharmaceuticals completes IND-enabling studies for NT219 - Kitov Pharma announced that it completed the laboratory phase of the IND-enabling studies for NT219, a first-in-class, dual-inhibitor small molecule, designed to prevent and overcome cancer drug resistance. The preclinical GLP toxicology studies have demonstrated good tolerability at the highest dose levels expected to be tested in Kitov's planned Phase 1/2 study treating patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck. Kitov is preparing for completion of the GMP manufacturing of the drug product and submission of an investigational new drug application with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to initiate a dose-escalation Phase 1/2 study to treat SCCHN cancer patients with the combination of NT219 and cetuximab.

07:31 EDT Myriad says Prolaris predicts risk of metastasis in men with prostate cancer - Myriad Genetics announced publication of results from a large study that demonstrated the Prolaris test can accurately predict the 10-year risk of metastases in men newly diagnosed with localized prostate cancer. The study was published in journal Prostate Cancer and Prostatic Diseases. The large pooled analysis included 1,062 men with localized prostate cancer who were definitively treated with surgery or radiation. The primary objective was to evaluate ability of the Prolaris test and the Prolaris test combined with clinical information to predict 10-year risk of progression to metastatic disease. The analysis demonstrated the Prolaris test was the strongest independent predictor of progression to metastatic disease, and men were approximately three times more likely to develop metastatic disease with each unit increase in the Prolaris test score. When the Prolaris test score was combined with clinical information the results were even more highly prognostic, and men were up to four times more likely to develop metastases with each unit increase in the test score.

07:27 EDT Bilibili acquires exclusive animation rights for 'The Three-Body Problem' - Bilibili announced that it has acquired exclusive animation rights for "The Three-Body Problem," the epic, award-winning science fiction trilogy written by Cixin Liu. Under terms of the IP agreement, Bilibili holds exclusive rights including animating the series based on "The Three-Body Problem" trilogy novels, as well as adapting the animation across a wide array of formats including mobile games, movies, comic, audio dramas and other IP-related derivative products.

07:20 EDT Universal Stainless & Alloy reports Ohio forge is back in full operation - Universal Stainless & Alloy Products reported that the radial forge at their North Jackson, OH facility was tested and resumed production activities as of Saturday June 22, 2019. The recent fire at the facility was contained to the forge machine and resulted in electrical and hydraulic associated damage. Repairs have been made and there is no impact to the product delivery schedules. As previously reported, there were no injuries associated with the fire and all other production units at the facility continued to operate. Chairman, President and CEO Dennis Oates commented: "We are very pleased that this incident was resolved quickly, and we are able to continue our forge production efforts. Our employees stepped up and completed the repairs in the most efficient manner while others continued to focus on production. I want to thank all of the employees at the North Jackson facility for their efforts and I also want to thank the outside suppliers that helped us at a moment's notice and worked around the clock to assist us in getting back into operation."

07:20 EDT Trevena appoints Barry Shin as CFO - Trevena announced the appointment of Barry Shin as CFO. Shin was previously Managing Director in the Healthcare Investment Banking Group at Mizuho Securities.

07:17 EDT SSR Mining acquires 8,900 hectares contiguous to Marigold mine in Nevada - SSR Mining (SSRM) is pleased to announce it has acquired approximately 8,900 hectares contiguous to the Marigold mine in Nevada, U.S. comprised of a 100% interest in the Trenton Canyon and Buffalo Valley properties from Newmont Goldcorp (NEM) and Fairmile Gold Mining for an aggregate purchase price of $22M in cash and the grant to Newmont of a 0.5% net smelter returns royalty on each of the Properties, and the assumption of the long-term environmental and reclamation obligations for the Properties.

07:11 EDT Seelos Therapeutics acquires license for gene therapy program - Seelos Therapeutics announced the exclusive worldwide licensing of a gene therapy program targeting the regulation of the SNCA gene, which encodes alpha-synuclein expression, from Duke University. Seelos plans to study this approach, named SLS-004, initially in Parkinson's Disease. At present, there is no effective treatment to prevent PD or halt its progression. The SNCA gene has been implicated as a highly significant risk factor for PD. In addition, accumulating evidence suggests that elevated levels of wild-type alpha-synuclein are causative in the pathogenesis of PD. The role of SNCA overexpression in PD pathogenesis and the need to maintain normal physiological levels of alpha-synuclein protein emphasize the so-far unmet need to develop new therapeutic strategies, such as SLS-004, targeting the regulatory mechanisms of SNCA expression. SLS-004 is an all-in-one lentiviral vector, for targeted DNA-methylation editing within intron. The system is based on CRISPR-dCas9 fused with the catalytic domain of DNA methyltransferase 3A (DNMT3A), an enzyme that is responsible for DNA methylation. The system was delivered to dopaminergic neurons derived from human induced pluripotent stem cells from a PD patient. As a result, the expression of SNCA was modified and disease-related cellular-phenotypes characteristics of the neurons were reversed.

07:09 EDT Canopy Growth and Acreage implement Plan of Arrangement - Acreage Holdings (ACRGF) and Canopy Growth (CGC) are implementing Acreage's previously announced arrangement under section 288 of the Business Corporations Act with Canopy Growth. Acreage articles have been amended to provide Canopy Growth with the option to acquire all of the issued and outstanding shares in the capital of Acreage, with a requirement to do so, upon a change in federal laws in the U.S. to permit the general cultivation, distribution and possession of marijuana or to remove the regulation of such activities from the federal laws of the U.S. Canopy Growth is permitted to waive the Triggering Event. Holders of Acreage Shares as of June 26 are entitled to receive approximately $2.63, being their pro rata portion of $300M paid by Canopy Growth to such persons as consideration for granting the Canopy Growth Call Option. It is expected that the Option Premium will be distributed to such holders of record on or before July 3. Acreage will continue to operate as a stand-alone entity and to conduct its business independently, subject to compliance with certain covenants contained in the Arrangement Agreement and the Subordinate Voting Shares will remain listed on the CSE, the OTCQX and the Frankfurt Stock Exchange. Upon the occurrence or waiver of the triggering event, Canopy Growth will exercise the Call Option and acquire each of the Subordinate Voting Shares in exchange for the payment of 0.5818 of a common share of Canopy Growth per Subordinate Voting Share. If the Acquisition is completed, Canopy Growth will acquire all of the Acreage Shares, Acreage will become a wholly-owned subsidiary of Canopy Growth and Canopy Growth will continue the operations of Canopy Growth and Acreage on a combined basis.

07:08 EDT NeuroMetrix retains firm to explore strategic alternatives - The company announced that it has retained Ladenburg Thalmann & Co. Inc. as its financial advisor to explore strategic alternatives to enhance shareholder value, including the potential sale or merger of the company. There can be no assurance of a successful outcome from these efforts, or of the form or timing of such outcome.

07:07 EDT Walgreens Boots Alliance up 2% after reporting Q3 results

07:04 EDT HealthEquity to acquire WageWorks for $51.35 per share in cash - HealthEquity (HQY) and WageWorks (WAGE) announced that they have entered into a definitive agreement under which HealthEquity will acquire all of the issued and outstanding shares of common stock of WageWorks for $51.35 per share in cash, representing a total enterprise value of approximately $2B. The all-cash offer represents a 28% premium to the volume weighted average closing price of WageWorks shares for the 30 trading days prior to HealthEquity's acquisition proposal becoming public on April 29, 2019. The acquisition is expected to give HealthEquity access to more of the fast-growing HSA market by expanding its direct distribution to employers and benefits advisors as a single source, premier provider of HSAs and complementary CDBs, including flexible spending accounts, health reimbursement arrangements, COBRA administration and commuter accounts. Its focus on member engagement and remarkable service enables HealthEquity to more fully meet the needs of employers, partners and a broader range of consumers along the continuum of health savings.

06:59 EDT Sierra Metals receives dam expansion and drilling permits at Yauricocha Mine - Sierra Metals has received its permit to construct the expansion of the tailing dam facility as well as its permit for the surface drilling program at its Yauricocha Mine in Peru. Construction at the tailing dam will add approximately three years of capacity, assuming a throughput rate of 3,000 tons per day. All drilling targets have been prioritized by previous geochemistry sampling as well as geophysical work. Areas to be tested as part of a surface drilling program include: the Dona Leona area located 2.5 kilometers southeast from the Central Yauricocha Mine, which provided values in anomalous silver, zinc, lead, and copper, in which eight drill holes totaling 8,000 meters will be drilled; the El Paso - Exito areas contains skarn and replacement mineralization and surface sampling detected structures with high values of anomalous lead, zinc, and copper, ten drills holes totaling 10,170 meters; the Kilcaska area which has produced strong values of anomalous silver, lead, zinc, and copper: four holes totaling 2,120 meters; the Victoria area which has previously had narrow veins exploited with values in anomalous copper, lead, zinc: ten drill holes totaling 9,300 meters.

06:57 EDT Accenture interim CEO says 'very pleased' with Q3 results - David Rowland, Accenture's interim CEO, said, "We are very pleased with our strong third-quarter financial results and the continued momentum in our business. With revenue growth of 8.4 percent in local currency, we again gained significant market share. We also delivered strong profitability, generated outstanding free cash flow and returned $1.4 billion in cash to our shareholders. The strength and consistency of our performance reflect the unique diversity of Accenture's business - from an industry, geographic and capability standpoint - as well as the continued successful execution of our growth strategy. Our substantial investments in strategic, high-growth areas are clearly differentiating us and driving growth ahead of the market. We remain confident in our ability to continue delivering profitable growth and significant value for our clients and shareholders."

06:55 EDT Accenture backs FY19 operating cash flow view $5.85B-$6.25B - Backs FY19 free cash flow to be in the range of $5.2B-$5.6B. The company continues to expect its annual effective tax rate to be in the range of 22.5%-23.5%.

06:50 EDT Accenture raises FY19 outlook

06:48 EDT W&T Offshore acquires properties in Gulf of Mexico for $200M - W&T Offshore (WTI) announced that it has entered into a purchase and sale agreement with ExxonMobil (XOM) to acquire their interests in and operatorship of oil and gas producing properties in the eastern region of the Gulf of Mexico, offshore Alabama, and related onshore processing facilities for $200M. Key highlights of the transaction are as follows: Includes working interests in nine GOM offshore producing fields and an onshore treating facility that are immediately adjacent to existing properties owned and operated by W&T; Allows for significant synergies, consolidations and cost savings as W&T will become the largest operator in the area; Adds net proved reserves of 74M barrels of oil equivalent of which 99% are proved developed producing and 22% are liquids as of the effective date; Potential to add incremental reserves with little or no capital by consolidating operations and extending field life; Produced approximately 19,800 net Boe per day (25% liquids) from the acquired properties in the first quarter of 2019; Provides additional upside opportunities from potential future drilling locations and facility modifications. The acquisition consists of working interests in nine shallow water producing fields and related operatorship in the Mobile Bay area and will expand W&T's presence to become the largest operator in the area. The purchase also includes ExxonMobil's onshore treating facility which, along with the Company's existing treating facility, will allow for flexibility in processing the produced gas and allow for future consolidation of operations. The total purchase price is $200M subject to customary post-effective date adjustments. The effective date is January 1, and the transaction is expected to close on or about August 30. The acquisition will be funded from W&T's available cash on hand and revolving credit facility.

06:41 EDT ImmunoGen to prioritize development of four drug candidates - ImmunoGen completed an in-depth operational review based on which the company will prioritize continued development of mirvetuximab and a select portfolio of three earlier-stage product candidates targeting solid tumors and hematological malignancies. The company will end the current quarter with approximately $240M on its balance sheet and expects this cash, together with expense reductions resulting from operational changes and anticipated cash receipts from partners, will fund operations through the release of top-line results from the upcoming mirvetuximab Phase 3 study in platinum-resistant ovarian cancer, which are expected in 1H22. The operational review commenced following the announcement that ImmunoGen's Phase 3 clinical trial evaluating mirvetuximab compared to chemotherapy in women with folate receptor alpha-positive, platinum-resistant ovarian cancer, did not meet the primary endpoint. Following consultation with the FDA, the company will pursue a new Phase 3 study in this patient population. ImmunoGen has established three strategic priorities for the business: execute a registration study for mirvetuximab in platinum-resistant ovarian cancer; advance a select portfolio of earlier-stage product candidates; and further strengthen its balance sheet through partnering. ImmunoGen will focus on initating the registration study for mirvetuximab by the end of this year; complete enrollment and continue follow up in the ongoing FORWARD II mirvetuximab combination cohorts; continue IMGN632 development in hematologic malignancies in collaboration with Jazz Pharmaceuticals; advance two additional assets - IMGC936, which is in co-development with MacroGenics with an IND expected by the end of 2019; and the company's next generation anti-FRalpha ADC, which is expected to enter development in mid-2020; and monetize its remaining portfolio and platform technologies through out-licensing transactions or asset sales. The company will also reduce ongoing expenses.

06:09 EDT FAA says found 'potential risk Boeing must mitigate' on 737 MAX - The FAA provided an update on the Boeing 737 MAX, saying that it is following a thorough process, not a prescribed timeline, for returning the Boeing 737 Max to passenger service. The FAA will lift the aircraft's prohibition order when we deem it is safe to do so. "We continue to evaluate Boeing's software modification to the MCAS and we are still developing necessary training requirements. We also are responding to recommendations received from the Technical Advisory Board. The TAB is an independent review panel we have asked to review our work regarding 737 Max return to service. On the most recent issue, the FAA's process is designed to discover and highlight potential risks. The FAA recently found a potential risk that Boeing must mitigate."

05:28 EDT Amazon announces U.S. launch of Counter network of staffed pickup points - Amazon announced the U.S. launch of Counter, a new network of staffed pickup points that gives customers the option to pick up their Amazon packages in-store at a partner location. Starting today, customers will have access to more than a hundred Counter locations across the U.S., with thousands of additional locations coming soon. Delivery to a Counter location is available for the tens of millions of items sold on Amazon.com and works with Same-Day, One-Day, Two-Day and Standard Shipping. The service is available to all customers at no extra cost. Available now at more than a hundred Rite Aid stores in the U.S., and growing to over 1,500 by year's end, Counter enables quick and easy pickup of packages. Over time, the Counter network will expand to thousands of other locations through additional partnerships with retailers, convenience stores and small businesses across the U.S.

05:12 EDT Occidental Petroleum issues statement regarding Icahn filing - Occidental Petroleum issued the following statement in response to the materials filed by Carl Icahn: "We maintain an open dialogue with all our shareholders and welcome constructive input toward our shared goal of maximizing long-term value. Our board is committed to acting in the best interests of Occidental shareholders and will continue to take actions to drive value on their behalf. We remain focused on completing our transaction with Anadarko in the second half of 2019, which we believe will create significant value and enhanced returns for shareholders. We will review the latest materials filed by Mr. Icahn and look forward to addressing them in our ongoing conversations with Occidental shareholders."