Stockwinners Market Radar for July 25, 2019 - Earnings, Upgrades downgrades, option trades, Best Stock Advisory Service

19:14 EDT UQM Technologies announces CFIUS approval of Danfoss merger - UQM Technologies announced that by letter dated July 25, 2019, the company has received notice from the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States stating that CFIUS has cleared the previously announced merger between the Company and a wholly owned subsidiary of Danfoss Power Solutions Company. In accordance with the Merger Agreement, the companies have agreed that the closing will take place on July 31, 2019. The process for Danfoss to purchase the shares of common stock from the shareholders for $1.71 per share will begin immediately thereafter.

18:44 EDT Mueller Water raises quarterly dividend to 5.25c from 5c per share - The dividend is payable on or about August 20, 2019 to stockholders of record as of the close of business on August 9, 2019.

18:36 EDT Wintrust Financial to acquire Countryside Bank for $90.5M - Wintrust Financial announced the signing of a definitive agreement to acquire SBC, Incorporated. SBC is the parent company of Countryside Bank, an Illinois state-chartered bank, which operates six banking offices located in the communities of Countryside, Burbank, Darien, Homer Glen, Oak Brook and Chicago, Illinois. As of March 31, 2019, Countryside Bank had approximately $594 million in assets, approximately $411 million in loans and approximately $509 million in deposits. The aggregate purchase price to SBC shareholders is currently estimated to be approximately $90.5M. In the transaction, each share of SBC common stock outstanding will be converted into the right to receive merger consideration paid in a combination of approximately 50% cash and 50% shares of Wintrust common stock based on Wintrust's average trading price at closing determined in accordance with the merger agreement.

18:29 EDT SPDR Gold Shares holdings fall to 819.32MT from 822.25MT - This is the 3rd consecutive decrease and the lowest level of holdings since July 18th.

18:19 EDT CannTrust CEO Peter Aceto terminated with cause - CannTrust Holdings announced immediate senior management changes and other interim actions based on the ongoing investigation being undertaken by a special committee of its board of directors. The investigation into the company's non-compliance with Health Canada regulations and ancillary matters uncovered new information that has resulted in a determination by the Board to terminate with cause CannTrust CEO Peter Aceto. In addition, the board demanded the resignation of the company's Chair Eric Paul and he complied. Effective immediately, the board has appointed Special Committee Chair Robert Marcovitch to the role of interim CEO and he will step down as a member of the Special Committee.

17:37 EDT Siemens awarded $828.83M Navy task order on energy savings performance contract - Siemens was awarded $828.83M for a firm-fixed-price task order under a previously awarded multiple award, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity, energy savings performance contract at Naval Base Guantanamo Bay. The work to be performed provides for the construction, operations and maintenance of energy conservation measures to improve energy efficiency and reliability, which include heating, ventilation and air conditioning upgrades, lighting upgrades, commercial refrigeration upgrades, distributed generation, renewable energy photovoltaic for both the demand and supply sides, energy storage, power control, supervisory control and data acquisition, water retrofits and wastewater. Work will be performed in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, and is expected to be completed by April 2043. No funds will be obligated with this award, as private financing obtained by the contractor will be used for the 31-month construction phase of the project. Eight proposals were received for this task order. The Naval Facilities Engineering Command and Expeditionary Warfare Center is the contracting activity for the task order. Department of Energy, Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy is the contracting activity for the basic contract.

17:31 EDT Starbucks says long-term growth potential remains 'compelling' - Says interest expense in 2019 is expected to be higher than in 2018. Says now expects adjusted effect tax rate 19%-20% in 2019. Sees FY20 effective tax rate closer to current effective tax rate of 25%. Sees a more normal volume of share repurchases for FY20 than originally anticipated. Says will provide FY20 guidance on Q4 call.

17:26 EDT Starbucks 'pleased' with how quickly China team lit up mobile ordering

17:20 EDT S&P announces changes to S&P MidCap 400, S&P SmallCap 600 indices - Tetra Tech (TTEK) will replace TCF Financial (TCF) in the S&P MidCap 400, and Vector Group (VGR) will replace Tetra Tech in the S&P SmallCap 600 effective prior to the open of trading on Thursday, August 1. Chemical Financial (CHFC) is acquiring TCF Financial in a transaction expected to be completed soon pending final conditions. Post-merger, Chemical Financial will be renamed TCF Financial Corp. and will remain in the S&P MidCap 400.

17:17 EDT Tetra Tech to replace TCF Financial in S&P 400 at open on 8/1 - Chemical Financial (CHFC) is acquiring TCF Financial (TCF) in a transaction expected to be completed soon pending final conditions. Post-merger, Chemical Financial will be renamed TCF Financial Corp. and will remain in the S&P MidCap 400.

17:13 EDT Great Panther Silver 2H focus on optimization of Tucano, including cost saving - Great Panther's focus for the second half of 2019 will continue to be the optimization of Tucano including identifying and implementing cost saving and efficiency measures to improve profitability and reduce cash cost and AISC. With the successful commissioning of the supplemental oxygen system at the end of April 2019 and the upcoming anticipated dry season which has a lower strip ratio and higher material movement, Tucano's production output and mine operating earnings are expected to increase. In addition, the Company is continuing to work on realizing cost synergies by rationalizing G&A costs of the Australian head office of the acquired company, expected to be substantially eliminated by the end of the first quarter of 2020. Great Panther is also advancing an exploration program focused on near mine exploration targets at Tucano, and is also developing a program aimed at capitalizing on Tucano's significant longer-term exploration potential.

17:04 EDT Hess Midstream Partners raises quarterly distribution 15% to 39.7c per share - Hess Midstream Partners announced that the board of directors of its general partner declared a quarterly cash distribution of 39.7c per common unit for the quarter ended June 30, 2019. The distribution represents a 15% increase compared to the prior year quarter and a 3.6% increase compared to the first quarter of 2019. The distribution will be payable on August 13, 2019 to unitholders of record as of the close of business on August 5, 2019.

16:58 EDT Mohawk CEO anticipates environment to remain 'difficult,' uncertain - Commenting on Mohawk Industries' second quarter performance, Jeffrey S. Lorberbaum, Chairman and CEO, stated, "In the second quarter, our business delivered results at the high end of our guidance. The U.S. dollar strengthened compared to the prior year, reducing our translated results for the quarter by approximately $9 million. Most markets we operate in remain soft, with pressure on volume and pricing, and we anticipate the environment to remain difficult."Given the uncertainties in our markets, we are taking actions to improve our business. We are streamlining our operations, consolidating facilities and taking out higher cost assets. We are reducing production to control inventory levels, introducing new product categories and increasing promotions to address changing markets. We are reducing overhead structures and controlling investments. We benefited in the period from lower material costs offset by labor and energy costs that continue to rise. We are improving our administrative costs while investing in sales to support new products and enter new geographies. To recover inflation, we have implemented price increases in the first half of the year, though much of the benefit has been offset by mix and competitive pressures."

16:53 EDT LogMeln jumps 9% after Q2 report, guidance - Shares of LogMeln are off post session highs but still up 9% to $78.75 per share.

16:40 EDT Republic Services CEO says expects to invest $550M for full year - "We are very pleased with our second quarter results. Our ability to price in excess of cost inflation and drive operating leverage enabled us to grow earnings 8 percent and expand adjusted EBITDA margin by 50 basis points. During the quarter we invested $129 million in acquisitions, further strengthening our market position, and now expect to invest a total of $550 million for the full year," said Donald Slager, CEO. "Given the underlying strength of our business and the progress we're making in de-risking the recycling business model, we are reaffirming our 2019 adjusted EPS and free cash flow guidance despite additional headwinds from lower recycled commodity prices."

16:36 EDT ESSA Bancorp authorizes stock repurchase program - ESSA Bancorp announced that its board has approved a stock repurchase program for up to 500,000 shares of its common stock. The buyback program announced by the company in August, 2018 has been fully completed.

16:34 EDT Aptevo Therapeutics completes dosing in SAD Phase 1 study of APVO210 - Aptevo Therapeutics announced that it has completed dosing in a single ascending dose, or SAD, Phase 1 study of APVO210, a novel investigational bispecific antibody candidate being developed for the treatment of autoimmune diseases. Preliminary data from the SAD study show that single ascending doses of APVO210 did not cause any adverse events of concern or dose-limiting toxicities, nor were any anti-drug antibodies observed in the study based on patient samples obtained to date. As a result, Aptevo has received approval to begin the next phase of the study, evaluating multiple ascending doses of APVO210 in healthy volunteers. The second part of the Phase 1 clinical trial will evaluate multiple ascending doses of APVO210.

16:32 EDT Kingstone Companies announces signing of new reinsurance treaties - Kingstone Companies announced that the Company's wholly-owned subsidiary, Kingstone Insurance Company, entered into various reinsurance agreements with multiple reinsurers for the treaty year beginning July 1, 2019. The new agreements include increased coverage and terms that are consistent with previous treaties. Barry Goldstein, Chairman of Kingstone Companies commented, "This was a challenging year in the reinsurance market, but we are satisfied with the success of our renewal. We were able to secure another substantial increase in coverage limit, in line with our continued growth, and were able to retain all incumbent markets and some additional new markets. Reinsurance markets continue to be more favorable for high quality buyers like Kingstone. We were able to achieve consistent terms at fair and relatively favorable pricing levels compared with other similar buyers."

16:26 EDT ResMed raises quarterly dividend to 39c from 37c per share - The dividend will have a record date of August 15, 2019, payable on September 19, 2019.

16:24 EDT Covanta lowers 2019 adjusted EBITDA view to $420M-$445M from $440M-$465M

16:23 EDT Universal Health raises cash dividend to 20c from 10c per share - This cash dividend will be paid on September 16 to shareholders of record as of September 3.

16:21 EDT Alphabet Class A shares up 7% after Q2 earnings beat - Alphabet Class A shares are up $84.06, or 7.40%, to $1,220.00 at time of writing.

16:20 EDT Amazon down 2% in after-hours trading after earnings report - In after-hours trading, Amazon shares are down $47.82, or 2.4%, to $1,926.00.

16:17 EDT Verastem signs commercialization agreement with Sanofi for Copiktra in EMEA - Verastem (VSTM) announced their entry into an exclusive licensing agreement with Sanofi (SNY) to develop and commercialize Verastem Oncology's COPIKTRA, or duvelisib, an oral inhibitor of phosphoinositide 3-kinase, and the first approved dual inhibitor of PI3K-delta and PI3K-gamma, for the treatment of all oncology indications in Russia and CIS, Turkey, the Middle East and Africa. Under the terms of the agreement, Verastem Oncology shall receive an upfront payment of $5M. Verastem Oncology is also eligible to receive up to an additional $42M in development and sales milestone payments, plus double-digit percentage royalties based on future net sales of COPIKTRA in the licensed territories. Sanofi will receive exclusive rights to develop and commercialize COPIKTRA, and hold the marketing authorization and product license for COPIKTRA, in the licensed territories. Sanofi will also have the right to collaborate with Verastem Oncology on certain global development and clinical trial activities.

16:15 EDT Intersect ENT announces FDA approval of PROPEL delivery system - Intersect ENT announced that the company has received approval from the FDA for a new Straight Delivery System for use to place its PROPEL Mini steroid releasing sinus implant in the ethmoid sinus. PROPEL Mini helps maintain the sinus opening while delivering mometasone furoate directly where it is needed, improving outcomes of frontal (behind the forehead) and ethmoid sinus surgery. The new SDS is designed to help physicians achieve precise and easy delivery of the PROPEL Mini implant to the ethmoid sinus. The original curved delivery system will continue to be packaged with the PROPEL Mini sinus implant and used for implant delivery to the frontal and ethmoid sinuses. The company expects to make the SDS available to physicians during Q3 of 2019.

16:15 EDT DPW Holdings announces 1-for-40 reverse stock split - DPW Holdings announced that its board of directors has approved a one-for-forty reverse stock split of its Class A common stock that will be effective in the State of Delaware on August 5, 2019. Beginning with the opening of trading on August 6, 2019, the company's Common Stock will trade on the NYSE American on a split-adjusted basis under a new CUSIP number, 26140E 600.

16:12 EDT Expedia raises quarterly dividend to 34c from 32c per share - To be paid to stockholders of record as of the close of business on August 22, with a payment date of September 12.

16:11 EDT Ascena Retail appoints Dan Lamadrid CFO - ascena retail group announced that Dan Lamadrid, senior VP, Finance and Chief Accounting Officer, has been promoted to executive VP and CFO, effective August 4, replacing Robb Giammatteo, who informed the company that he intends to leave ascena at the end of August. Giammatteo, who will serve as a senior advisor during the month of August, has worked closely with Lamadrid over the last two years and will continue to do so over the next month to ensure a smooth transition.

16:11 EDT Alphabet authorizes repurchase up to an additional $25B in Class C stock - The Board of Directors of Alphabet authorized the company to repurchase up to an additional $25B of its Class C capital stock. The repurchase is expected to be executed from time to time, subject to general business and market conditions and other investment opportunities, through open market purchases or privately negotiated transactions, including through Rule 10b5-1 plans.

16:09 EDT Starbucks CEO says U.S. and China 'performed extremely well' - Kevin Johnson said, "Starbucks delivered strong operating performance in the third quarter, further demonstrating that our 'Growth at Scale' agenda is working. Our two targeted long-term growth markets, the U.S. and China, performed extremely well across a number of measures as a result of our focus on enhancing the customer experience, driving new beverage innovation and accelerating the expansion of our digital customer relationships. Given the strong momentum across our business, we are raising our full-year financial outlook. Starbucks continues to be focused and disciplined in the execution of our three key strategic priorities that we established last year: accelerating growth in the U.S. and China, expanding the global reach of the Starbucks brand through our Global Coffee Alliance with Nestle, and increasing shareholder returns. With our efforts to streamline the company and elevate the Starbucks brand, we are positioning the company to deliver predictable and sustainable operating results while building an enduring company that creates meaningful long-term value for Starbucks shareholders"

16:08 EDT Starbucks reports rewards membership in the U.S. up 14% to 17.2M

16:07 EDT Google CEO says 'incredibly excited' by momentum across businesses - "Our effort to build a more helpful Google for everyone brings countless opportunities to help users, partners, and enterprise customers every day. From improvements in core information products such as Search, Maps, and the Google Assistant, to new breakthroughs in AI and our growing Cloud and Hardware offerings, I'm incredibly excited by the momentum across Google's businesses and the innovation that is fueling our growth," said Sundar Pichai, Chief Executive Officer of Google.

16:05 EDT Alphabet reports Q2 paid clicks on Google properties up 28% from prior year - Alphabet reports paid clicks on Google properties were up 28% from the prior year and up 6% from the prior quarter. Cost-per-click on Google properties was down (11)% from the prior year and down (1)% from the prior quarter.

16:04 EDT Expedia reports Q2 room night growth 12%

16:03 EDT Expedia reports Q2 gross bookings up 9% to $28.3B - Total stayed lodging room nights increased 12% and Vrbo stayed property nights grew 8%.

16:01 EDT Apple confirms to acquire majority of Intel's smartphone business for $1B

15:44 EDT Acasti Pharma says not aware of new corporate developments - Acasti Pharma commented on the recent increase in the price of its shares and trading volume. The company said it is not aware of any new corporate developments that would account for the increased price or trading volume. The company also noted several recently issued independent analyst reports issued by third-party investment banks, which highlighted the current Phase 3 TRILOGY clinical studies for CaPre and anticipated topline results for the primary endpoint of lowering triglycerides for TRILOGY 1 in December 2019, and for TRILOGY 2 in January 2020. The company does not endorse the content, recommendations or price targets of any third-party reports. The company also reaffirmed it has no current plans to raise capital and management believes Acasti is sufficiently capitalized beyond completion of the Phase 3 trials. This includes funding to continue work on the New Drug Application for CaPre, which management plans to submit to the FDA mid-2020, assuming Phase 3 is successful, as well as on-going business and US commercial launch activities. The company had $34.4M of cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities as of March 31, 2019.

14:16 EDT TransAlta says strategy to convert coal fleet to natural gas unchanged - TransAlta commented on the Government of Alberta's announcement that the energy-only market framework in Alberta will be maintained. "The promise by the Government of Alberta to deliver a decision on market structure within 90 days was fulfilled, thereby reducing significant uncertainty for TransAlta in assessing investment decisions in the Alberta power generation market," the company said. "The Company has undertaken a review of its future investment decisions on coal-to-gas conversions and repowering through hybrid investments, as well as the impacts on our hydro and wind assets, under an energy-only market. This review has confirmed that our strategy to convert the coal fleet to natural gas remains unchanged. The Company will provide more details of its strategy at its investor day to be held on September 16, 2019. The energy-only market has been in place in Alberta since 2000. The structure provides stability and ensures a competitive framework to be able to assess investment opportunities in Alberta. TransAlta is now in a position to make key investment decisions as it transitions to gas and continues to provide affordable and clean power for Alberta consumers for decades to come. The $750 million in capital raised earlier in 2019 can now be put to work in Alberta for the benefit of investors and customers. TransAlta is well positioned to continue on the path to become Canada's leading gas and renewables generator by 2025."

13:49 EDT Homology Medicines sinks 10%, or $2.28, to $20.00

13:23 EDT Noble Midstream increases quarterly distribution 20% y/y to 64.18c per unit - Noble Midstream Partners announced that the Board of Directors of its general partner, Noble Midstream GP LLC, declared a cash distribution of 64.18c per unit for the second quarter of 2019, a 20% increase compared to the prior year quarter and a 4.7% increase sequentially. The second quarter 2019 distribution will be payable on August 12 to unitholders of record as of August 5.

13:18 EDT Southwest: Boeing a 'very strong company,' 'great partner'

13:13 EDT Southwest sees FY19 CapEx $1.2B-$1.3B

13:12 EDT World Acceptance drops as rising credit costs drive Q1 miss - Shares of World Acceptance (WRLD) are falling after the company reported lower than expected results for the first quarter of 2020. WHAT'S NEW: Before the market open, World Acceptance reported Q1 earnings per share of 97c on revenue of $138.44M, compared to analysts' estimates for $1.87 and $134.61M, respectively. The company noted that it sold its Mexico operations effective July 1, 2018, and as a result has classified the Mexico business as discontinued operations. The Q1 EPS figure marked a 42.5% year-over-year decline, World Acceptance said. WHAT'S NOTABLE: World Acceptance noted in its earnings announcement that, as previously disclosed, it retained outside legal counsel and forensic accountants, upon receipt of an anonymous letter regarding compliance matters, to conduct an investigation of its operations in Mexico. The investigation focuses on the legality under the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act and certain local laws of certain payments related to loans, the maintenance of the company's books and records associated with such payments, and the treatment of compensation matters for certain employees, the company said. World Acceptance added that it voluntarily contacted the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission and the U.S. Department of Justice in June 2017 to advise both agencies that an investigation was underway. ANALYST OPINION: Following the earnings report, Janney Montgomery Scott analyst John Rowan downgraded World Acceptance to Sell from Neutral, saying that one of the big issues with the "significant" earnings miss was credit, as the company's net charge off rate surged to 16.3% from 15.5% last year. Rowan noted that management on its quarterly call cited a broader mix of new customers for the higher losses, as loan growth rose to 15% year-over-year. The analyst said that, given a longer loan duration in the company's products, he thinks there should be a delayed loss versus a surge in growth. PRICE ACTION: In afternoon trading, World Acceptances shares are down 19% to $132.66.

13:10 EDT BorgWarner falls after reporting quarterly results, asbestos liability - Auto parts maker BorgWarner (BWA) reported second quarter earnings of $1.00 per share on revenue of $2.55B, basically in-line with forecasts. GUIDANCE: The auto parts maker said it expects a Q3 organic net sales change in the range of down 1.5% to up 1.5%, compared with Q3 2018 net sales of $2.48B. The divestiture of the thermostat product line will decrease year-over-year sales by approximately $29M. Excluding the impact of non-comparable items, Q3 EPS are expected to be within a range of 83c-90c per diluted share, against analyst consensus estimates of $1.02. For the year, Borg Warner lowered its revenue view to $9.94B-$10.18B. This implies year-over-year organic sales change of down 2.5% to flat. Additionally, the company expects its market to decline in the range of 3.5% to 5.0% in 2019 due to uncertain future sales of global light vehicle production in China. The company projected earnings for the year of $3.75-$4.00 per share, shy of consensus estimates of $4.12. ASBESTOS LITIGATION: In a regulatory filing, the company noted it has concluded that it is reasonably possible that it may incur additional losses through 2074 for asbestos-related claims, in addition to amounts recorded, of up to approximately $100M as of June 30, 2019, and December 31, 2018. PRICE ACTION: Shares of BorgWarner are down over 5% in afternoon trading to $40.31 per share. OTHERS TO WATCH: Other manufacturers of OEM auto parts include Continental AG (CTTAY), Visteon (VC), Lear (LEA), American Axle (AXL), and Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company (GT).

13:03 EDT Hedgeye names Medallia as new short idea - Hedgeye said it sees 50% downside for Medallia shares, according to contacts.

13:01 EDT Southwest: Q3 business trends 'strong,' 'healthy' leisure, business demand

12:49 EDT MGIC Investment trading halted, news pending

12:46 EDT Southwest CEO Kelly says Newark decision was 'forced' by MAX groundings

12:43 EDT Southwest CEO says MAX grounding the 'only issue we're dealing with'

12:41 EDT Southwest CEO says 'exceptionally well prepared for unexpected' MAX grounding - Comments taken from Q2 earnings conference call.

12:34 EDT Natus Medical announces Nasdaq ticker symbol change to 'NTUS' - Natus Medical announced that the company's ticker symbol on the Nasdaq Global Select Market will change to "NTUS" from "BABY". Trading under the new ticker symbol will begin at the open of the market on Friday, July 26. We are excited to begin trading under the new symbol, NTUS," said Jonathan Kennedy, President and CEO of Natus. "We have diversified our products, solutions, and core capabilities well beyond the neonatal care market since our IPO in 2001. The new ticker symbol better reflects our identity as a global provider of innovative healthcare solutions focused on the diagnosis and treatment of central nervous and sensory system disorders for patients of all ages."

12:02 EDT Atlas Air expects to create 600 additional jobs in Kentucky in next 10 years - Atlas Air Worldwide announced it will expand its operations in northern Kentucky to accommodate its growing workforce in the area. Atlas' plans include a commitment to a long-term lease in a new facility in Erlanger, Kentucky, near the Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport, to support its growing global operations. The new center in Erlanger is expected to open in 2021. Atlas currently employs 318 professionals, including 182 Kentuckians, at its facilities in northern Kentucky, which includes its Southern Air subsidiary. Employees from the company's Florence location will relocate to the new site in Erlanger once it is complete. Atlas expects to create nearly 600 additional jobs in Kentucky in the next 10 years.

12:00 EDT Meritage Homes rises 15.6% - Meritage Homes is up 15.6%, or $8.49 to $62.88.

11:37 EDT Einhorn's Greenlight announces new position in Dillard's - David Einhorn's Greenlight Capital announced new positions in Dillard's (DDS), Chemours (CC) and Scientific Games (SGMS) in its Q2 letter to investor.

11:17 EDT Aqua America raises quarterly cash dividend 7% to 23.43c per share - The Board of Directors of Aqua America declared a quarterly cash dividend of 23.43c per share payable Sept. 1, 2019 to all shareholders of record on Aug. 16, 2019. The September 2019 dividend will represent a 1.53c increase, or 7%, compared to the $21.90c cash dividend the company paid in June of this year. This marks the 29th dividend increase in the past 28 years, and the company has paid a consecutive quarterly cash dividend for more than 74 years. Following the increase, the annualized dividend rate will be $93.72c per share. The board's stated long-term targeted dividend payout ratio continues to be in the range of 60 to 70 percent of earnings from operations.

11:00 EDT Nektar says FDA postponing advisory committee meeting for NKTR-181 - In a regulatory filing earlier, Nektar Therapeutics disclosed that on July 23 it received a General Advice letter from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration regarding Nektar's New Drug Application for NKTR-181, a novel mu-opioid analgesic drug candidate. In the Letter, the FDA stated that it is postponing product-specific advisory committee meetings for opioid analgesics, including the one previously scheduled for August 21, 2019 to discuss the NDA for the NKTR-181 product, while the agency continues to consider a number of scientific and policy issues relating to this class of drugs. "The Letter stated that the FDA's reason for postponing the advisory committee meeting for NKTR-181 is not unique to the NKTR-181 product. The Letter further stated that the FDA will continue to review the NDA for NKTR-181 according to the existing Prescription Drug User Fee Act timeline and will request additional information from Nektar, as needed. However, the FDA did indicate in the Letter that it is possible the agency may not be able to meet the PDUFA goal date of August 29, 2019, due to the postponement of the advisory committee meeting. Nektar will work closely with the FDA as they continue their review of the NDA for NKTR-181," the filing stated.

10:17 EDT Magellan Midstream raises quarterly cash distribution to $1.0125 - The board of directors of Magellan Midstream Partners increased the partnership's quarterly cash distribution to $1.0125 per unit for the period April 1 through June 30. The second-quarter 2019 distribution is approximately 6% higher than the second-quarter 2018 distribution of 95.75c per unit and represents an approximate 1% increase over the first-quarter 2019 distribution of $1.005. The new distribution will be paid Aug. 14 to unitholders of record at the close of business on Aug. 7.

10:00 EDT CoreLogic falls -11.0% - CoreLogic is down -11.0%, or -$5.19 to $42.01.

10:00 EDT Anixter rises 12.2% - Anixter is up 12.2%, or $7.20 to $66.41.

10:00 EDT Diebold rises 26.2% - Diebold is up 26.2%, or $2.69 to $12.98.

09:47 EDT TAL Education falls -10.2% - TAL Education is down -10.2%, or -$3.81 to $33.70.

09:47 EDT Spirit Airlines falls -15.7% - Spirit Airlines is down -15.7%, or -$8.63 to $46.42.

09:47 EDT Knowles rises 9.8% - Knowles is up 9.8%, or $1.79 to $19.98.

09:44 EDT Spirit Airlines views cost performance as an 'anomaly,' won't repeat in 2020

09:42 EDT Spirit Airlines sees Q3 CASM ex-fuel up 7%-8% y/y

09:41 EDT Spirit Airlines sees Q3 TRASM down 1% to up 1% y/y

09:40 EDT Pressure BioSciences reports initial sale of BaroShear K45 processing system - Pressure BioSciences announced the initial sale of its BaroShear K45 processing system. This novel instrument system is based on the company's Ultra Shear Technology platform, the company notes.

09:24 EDT W.R. Grace sees Q3 adjusted EBIT down 15%-19% y/y - Sees FY19 adjusted free cash flow $235M-$250M. Sees FY19 inflation about 100bps, with greater headwinds from FX in the second half of the year. Says events including an explosion and fire at a North American FCC catalyst customer will have a net impact to earnings of $15M-$17M, with most of the impact affecting Q3 results. Expects the explosion and fire to reduce 2H earnings by about $12M. The company notes that in Specialty Catalysts, a major customer said they are temporarily reducing production of one of their product lines, which W.R. Grace expects will reduce its FY earnings by about $9M. Comments taken from Q2 earnings conference call.

09:21 EDT Tyler Technologies announces $85M agreement with NCAOC - Tyler Technologies announced that it has signed an agreement, valued at nearly $85M over 10 years, with the North Carolina Administrative Office of the Courts, or NCAOC, and North Carolina Judicial Branch for several products from Tyler's Odyssey suite. This agreement is Tyler's largest ever software-as-a-service agreement and will be the largest statewide Odyssey implementation by population.

09:14 EDT Lazard World Dividend & Income commences tender offer - Lazard World Dividend & Income announced the commencement of its previously-announced one-time tender offer to acquire, in exchange for cash, up to 20% of LOR's outstanding shares of common stock at a price equal to 98% of LOR's net asset value, or NAV, per share as of the close of regular trading on the New York Stock Exchange on the day the offer expires. The Offer will expire on August 21 unless the offer is extended. If more than 20% of LOR's outstanding shares of common stock are tendered in the offer, LOR will purchase its shares from tendering stockholders on a pro rata basis at a price of 98% of LOR's NAV per share. Additional terms and conditions of the offer will be set forth in LOR's offer to purchase, which will be distributed to LOR stockholders of record.

09:10 EDT Inovio's MERS vaccine results published in The Lancet Infectious Diseases - Inovio Pharmaceuticals announced that positive results from the first-in-human trial of its vaccine against the Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus - MERS - were published in The Lancet Infectious Diseases. This peer-reviewed article highlights clinical results of Inovio's collaborative vaccine study of INO-4700 against MERS delivered with the Cellectra efficacy-enhancing device. Inovio is planning a Phase 2 MERS vaccine trial to be conducted in areas of the world where outbreaks have occurred. Inovio and GeneOne Life Science are co-developing INO-4700 in this 75-participant clinical trial. Subjects vaccinated with INO-4700 displayed robust levels of MERS antigen-specific antibody and T cell responses at week 14. These vaccine-generated immune responses to INO-4700 were durable as they were maintained through 60 weeks following dosing. Inovio's MERS DNA vaccine was well-tolerated and demonstrated overall high levels of antibody responses in 94% of subjects. The vaccination generated more robust T cell responses than convalescent patients, suggesting the vaccine's ability to protect from reinfection from MERS virus. MERS is a severe respiratory disease akin to the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome and was first identified in Saudi Arabia in 2012. GeneOne and the International Vaccine Institute have continued the clinical development efforts on this vaccine as part of a second, Phase 1b/2a trial that is currently ongoing in Korea with the interim data expected later this Inovio plans to initiate a larger Phase 2 field trial in the Middle East with through a partnership with CEPI, based on Phase 1b/2a data for INO-4700.

09:07 EDT RLH announces anticipated openings of four Signature hotels - RLH Corporation announced the anticipated openings of four new Signature hotels. The cheap chic brand is anchoring its presence in the Pacific Northwest with the opening of Signature Bend, OR; reinforcing its West Coast footprint alongside Signature Temecula, CA and Signature Anaheim, CA; and debuting on the East Coast with Signature St. George, SC.

08:58 EDT WWE sees Q3 average paid subscribers down 8%, doesn't expect full year record - In Q2, WWE Network's average paid subscribers decreased 6% to approximately 1.69M, which the company said was consistent with guidance. For the third quarter, the company projects average paid subscribers of approximately 1.53M, representing a year-over-year decline of 8%. "Given the actual and projected subscriber declines, the company does not expect to achieve record subscribers for the full year," WWE stated. The company reiterated its full year guidance, which targets revenue of approximately $1B and Adjusted OIBDA of at least $200M. "This guidance assumes continued improvement in WWE's engagement metrics, a second large scale event in the MENA region, and the completion of a media rights deal in the MENA region. The company believes it has agreements in principle with the Saudi General Sports Authority on the broad terms for the latter two items; however, this understanding is nonbinding. It is possible that either or both of these business developments do not occur on expected terms and/ or that engagement does not improve as assumed. The company has evaluated these potential outcomes and currently believes that the most likely downside to its Adjusted OIBDA would be approximately $10M-$20M below its current outlook. The company's full year guidance reflects strong fourth quarter results with substantial revenue growth from both the company's new content distribution agreements in the U.S., which become effective in that period, and the aforementioned media rights deal in the MENA region," WWE stated.

08:55 EDT Envision Solar receives order for three EV ARC units from Accesso - Envision Solar International announced that it has received the first order for three EV ARC units from Accesso, a major commercial real estate owner and manager serving multiple regions throughout the United States. These EV ARC(TM) products will provide emissions-free charging for employees and the public at Meridian Business Park in Durham, NC, one of the many properties that Accesso manages.

08:51 EDT Progenics collaborates with VAGLAHS on AI research program - Progenics Pharmaceuticals announced their collaboration with the VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System on Progenics' AI research program. The collaborative AI research program aims to apply machine learning to medical imaging modalities, enabling standardized, information-driven healthcare practices in prostate cancer. The project is the nation's first collaborative effort to validate cutting-edge machine learning tools for improving treatment management of Veterans with prostate cancer. In the project, the VAGLAHS network will gain access to Progenics' machine learning platforms, which includes the automated Bone Scan Index and the PSMA-AI platforms. The collaboration would explore novel predictive machine learning algorithms from the digital medical images and its associated clinical outcomes. These novel algorithms would be prospectively validated at VAGLAHS for effective healthcare management of Veterans with prostate cancer.

08:47 EDT Shell Midstream raises quarterly distribution 3.6% to 43c per unit - Shell Midstream Partners announces that the Board of Directors of its general partner declared a cash distribution of 43c per limited partner unit for the second quarter of 2019. This represents an increase of 3.6 percent over the previous quarterly distribution of 41.50c per unit and a 17.8 percent increase over the distribution paid with respect to the second quarter of 2018. The distribution will be paid August 14, 2019 to unitholders of record as of August 5, 2019.

08:47 EDT American Airlines CFO says has extended lives of some A320, 737, 757 aircraft - Says has extended the lives of some A320, 737 and 757 aircraft to make up for the impact of the 737 MAX grounding and the A321neo delivery delays.

08:45 EDT American Airlines sees CASM ex-fuel up 5% in Q3, 3% in Q4 - Sees capacity up 1.5% for Q3 and FY19. Sees CapEx of $3.6B in 2020, $2.1B in 2021.

08:44 EDT ABM selected for Griffith Observatory improvement project - ABM was selected to participate in an improvement project for Griffith Observatory in Los Angeles, California. ABM facilitated the modernization of the Observatory's air conditioning systems, and the project was completed in May 2019. Griffith Observatory and the City of Los Angeles Department of Recreation and Parks selected ABM to provide a more comfortable environment for visitors and employees. Improvements to the air conditioning systems at the Observatory included replacing water-cooled chillers with air-cooled chillers, which are considered a strategic alternative, particularly in areas where drought conditions are prevalent.

08:41 EDT American Airlines sees generating 'significant' cash flow in 2020, 2021

08:40 EDT MusclePharm launches new protein snacks exclusively at GNC - MusclePharm (MSLP) announced the launch of eight ready to eat protein snacks with GNC (GNC). "We couldn't be more pleased to partner with GNC as the launch destination for the Protein Candies," expressed Ryan Drexler, Chairman, CEO and President of MusclePharm. "As the leading global brand of health and wellness products, GNC shares the same strategic vision to capitalize on emerging trends in better for you, convenient snacking".

08:38 EDT WageWorks launches Preferred Broker Program - WageWorks announced the launch of its Preferred Broker Program, providing brokers concierge service to better support multiple clients and participants. This latest news follows the introduction of several HSA product enhancements and 24/7 phone and live chat support, further demonstrating the company's commitment to enhancing its service and product offerings as a leading provider of Health Savings Accounts and other Consumer-Directed Benefits. The new Program is designed to deliver on promises to enhance the broker experience by providing exceptional participant support and easy access to experts, information and resources. By participating in the Program, brokers receive: A dedicated relationship manager and two account executives; Lowered administrative costs through preferred pricing on all new services, regardless of customer size; Performance guarantees based on the overall product performance; A simple experience on a smart platform with mobility and one healthcare card.

08:37 EDT WWE sees Q3 adjusted OIBDA $17M-$22M

08:35 EDT Ampio updates progress of SPA clinical trial - Ampio Pharmaceuticals announced the progress to date in the company's special protocol assessment or SPA phase three clinical trial titled "A Randomized, Controlled, Double-Blind Study to Evaluate the Efficacy and Safety of an Intra-Articular Injection of Ampion in Adults with Pain Due to Severe Osteoarthritis of the Knee." This pivotal trial seeks to enroll approximately 1,000 patients and assess co-primary endpoints of pain and function. Ampio CEO Michael Macaluso declared, "Over the last two weeks, approximately two-thirds of the scheduled sites have completed their preparations and have begun dosing patients. As of July 24th, 280 patients have enrolled into the study, and almost half of those patients have been dosed. The remaining scheduled clinical sites are expected to begin enrolling patients in August."

08:33 EDT Merrimack declares $20M special dividend - The special dividend is payable on September 5 to stockholders of record as of the close of business on August 28. The ex-dividend date for the special dividend will be September 6, the first trading day following the payment date. Stockholders of record on the record date who sell their shares prior to the ex-dividend date will not receive the special dividend. Based on the current number of shares outstanding, the special dividend will be approximately $1.50 per common share; this amount may vary based on the number of outstanding shares as of the record date.

08:30 EDT Adaptimmune starts SPEARHEAD-1 trial with ADP-A2M4 SPEAR T-cells - Adaptimmune Therapeutics has started its SPEARHEAD-1 trial with ADP-A2M4 SPEAR T-cells for patients with synovial sarcoma or myxoid/round cell liposarcoma. Earlier this year, Adaptimmune presented compelling data with responses observed in synovial sarcoma patients treated in the ADP-A2M4 pilot study. The SPEARHEAD-1 trial will treat up to 60 patients with inoperable or metastatic synovial sarcoma or MRCLS who have received prior chemotherapy. Patients will receive doses of up to 10 billion ADP-A2M4 SPEAR T-cells and the lymphodepletion regimen of fluandarbine and cyclophosphamide. The primary endpoint is overall response rate by RECIST v1.1 by independent review. Safety endpoints will be reviewed by an Independent Data Safety Monitoring Board.

08:24 EDT Midwest Energy Emissions commences patent infringement lawsuit - Midwest Energy Emissions (MEEC) announced that it has initiated patent litigation against certain defendants in the U.S. District Court for the District of Delaware for infringement of United States Patent Nos. 10,343,114 and 8,168,147 owned by the Company. These patents relate the ME2C's two-part Sorbent Enhancement Additive process for mercury removal from coal-fired power plants. Named as defendants in the lawsuit are Vistra Energy Corp. (VST), AEP Generation Resources Inc (AEP), NRG Energy (NRG), Talen Energy Corporation, and certain of their respective affiliated entities, all of which are owners and/or operators of coal-fired power plants in the U.S., and Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. (AJG), DTE REF Holdings, LLC, CERT Coal Holdings LLC, Chem-Mod LLC, and certain of their respective affiliated entities, and additional named and unnamed defendants, all of which operate or are involved in operations of coal facilities in the U.S. In the lawsuit, ME2C alleges that each of the defendants has willfully infringed the Company's '114 Patent and '147 Patent and seeks a permanent injunction from further acts of infringement and monetary damages. The full text of the complaint and exhibits filed in the U.S. District Court for the District of Delaware are available for review as follows: Complaint, Exhibit A and Exhibit B.

08:20 EDT Evelo Biosciences secures $45M debt financing from K2 HealthVentures - Evelo Biosciences, announced that it has entered into a loan and security agreement for up to $45M with K2 HealthVentures, a healthcare investment firm. Upon closing, Evelo borrowed $20M; the funds were used to fully repay the Company's previous $15M loan facility and will be used for general corporate and working capital purposes, which includes funding the advancement of the Company's pipeline.

08:15 EDT Canadian Solar signs electricity agreement for large PV project in Alberta - Canadian Solar has signed an agreement for the purchase of electricity from its 32 MWp/23 MWac Suffield solar facility with Direct Energy, one of North America's largest energy and energy-related services providers, and a subsidiary of Centrica. The Suffield project, located in Southeast Alberta, is anticipated to be the largest solar PV facility in the province of Alberta when it enters operation in 2020. While the majority of funding for the facility has been provided through private market investment, the Suffield project was awarded $15.3M in funding through Natural Resources Canada's Emerging Renewable Power Program.

08:14 EDT Riot Blockchain establishes Advisory Board - Riot Blockchain is proud to announce the establishment of an Advisory Board. The Riot Advisory Board is comprised of well-recognized creative leaders with a wealth of operational and strategic experience from across the blockchain space including: bitcoin software development, node projects, bitcoin education, start-up advisory, and venture capital/angel investing. The Advisory Board has been established to assist the company in its strategic mission and enhance shareholder value through the advisors' industry-leading insights and vast network of innovators and pacesetters.

08:07 EDT Royal Caribbean CFO says booked position 'continues to set new records' - "The company's booked position for the remainder of 2019 continues to set new records with all core products in line or ahead of the company's previous expectations," said Jason Liberty, executive vice president and CFO. "While it is too early to provide detailed color on 2020, we are delighted that bookings are already off to a very strong start."

07:59 EDT Glowpoint appoints Jason Adelman, Richard Ramlall to board of directors - Glowpoint (GLOW) announced Jason Adelman and Richard Ramlall have been appointed to Glowpoint's Board of Directors. Concurrent with the appointments of Mr. Adelman and Mr. Ramlall, Chairman Patrick Lombardi and Independent Director Ken Archer have resigned as directors on Glowpoint's Board. Additionally, Peter Holst was appointed to the additional role of Chairman of the Board, and James Lusk was appointed lead independent director. Jason Adelman is a successful investor and advisor across the capital structure in both private and public small cap companies. Jason was the lead advisor on the merger of Computer Motion and Intuitive Surgical (ISRG). ichard Ramlall is an accomplished senior executive and currently serves as Chief Communications Officer at Internap Corporation (INAP).

07:58 EDT Limestone Bancorp to acquire 4 branch banking centers - Limestone Bancorp (LMST) announced that Limestone Bank has entered into a material definitive agreement to acquire four branch banking centers located in the Kentucky cities of Elizabethtown, Frankfort, and Owensboro from Louisville, Kentucky based Republic Bank and Trust ("Republic Bank"), a subsidiary of Republic Bancorp (RBCAA). The purchase includes $153 million in deposits and $112 million in loans. In addition, Limestone will acquire substantially all the fixed assets of these locations. The transaction has received approvals from each party's board of directors and is expected to close in the fourth quarter of 2019, subject to regulatory approvals and other customary closing conditions.

07:55 EDT Hershey increases quarterly dividend 7% to 77.3c per share - The Board of Directors of The Hershey Company announced quarterly dividends of 77.3c on the Common Stock and 70.2c on the Class B Common Stock, an increase of about 7%, or 5.1c and 4.6c per share, respectively. The dividends were declared on July 22, 2019, and are payable September 16, 2019, to stockholders of record August 23, 2019. It is the 359th consecutive regular dividend on the Common Stock and the 140th consecutive regular dividend on the Class B Common Stock

07:54 EDT Green Thumb Industries awarded retail license by Culver City - Green Thumb Industries announced that it is one of only three companies to be awarded a new retail license by Culver City, located in Los Angeles County, California. The Culver City license award follows recent license wins in Pasadena and West Hollywood, where the company is one of only five to receive a retail, delivery and consumption lounge license. This continues a significant period of rapid growth for the Essence brand, which received eight new retail cannabis licenses in Nevada last year and has three open stores in Las Vegas, including the first on The Strip. GTI has 26 Rise and Essence retail stores open across the country and a footprint for a total of 95.

07:51 EDT Matinas BioPharma receives QIDP, Fast Track Designations for MAT2203 - Matinas BioPharma Holdings announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has designated MAT2203, Matinas' proprietary oral amphotericin B product, as a Qualified Infectious Disease Product with Fast Track status for the treatment of cryptococcal meningitis. As previously reported, the FDA has designated MAT2203 as a QIDP with Fast Track status for three other indications, specifically, the prevention of invasive fungal infections due to immunosuppressive therapy, treatment of invasive candidiasis, and treatment of invasive aspergillus. MAT2203 is Matinas' orally-administered, encochleated formulation of the broad spectrum fungicidal medication amphotericin B. The Company's proprietary lipid nano-crystal formulation of amphotericin B has a novel mechanism of absorption and distribution to infected tissues and has the potential to transform the way this potent fungicidal is administered, without the toxicity historically associated with this drug which has limited its use.

07:47 EDT Capricor Therapeutics says DSMB recommends continuation of HOPE-2 study - Capricor Therapeutics announced that its independent Data and Safety Monitoring Board completed its safety assessment and futility analysis review of the company's ongoing Phase II HOPE-2 study with CAP-1002 in boys and young men who are in advanced stages of Duchenne muscular dystrophy and recommended that the trial continue. Earlier this month, Capricor announced positive results from its interim analysis in the HOPE-2 Trial HOPE-2 is a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, Phase II clinical trial of the company's lead investigational therapy, CAP-1002 in steroid-treated boys and young men who are in advanced stages of DMD, a debilitating genetic disorder. DMD is characterized by progressive weakness and chronic inflammation of the skeletal, heart, and respiratory muscles. Study patients are being treated via intravenous delivery with either CAP-1002 or placebo every 3 months. The FDA has granted Capricor RMAT and Orphan Drug Designation for CAP-1002 for the treatment of DMD. Additionally, the FDA has granted a Rare Pediatric Disease Designation to CAP-1002 for treatment of DMD. Upon receiving market approval for CAP-1002 by the FDA, Capricor would be eligible to receive a Priority Review Voucher.

07:33 EDT American Airlines sees Q3 TRASM up 1%-3% y/y - American expects its third quarter 2019 TRASM to be up 1% to 3% year over year. The company also expects its third quarter 2019 pre-tax margin excluding net special items to be between 5.5% and 7.5%

07:32 EDT Huntington Bancshares reports Q2 net interest margin up 2 basis points to 3.31% - Reports Q2: Efficiency ratio of 57.6%, up from 56.6%; Net charge-offs equated to 0.25% of average loans and leases, up from 0.16%; Tangible book value per common share increased 70c, or 10%, to $7.97.

07:29 EDT Amedisys, ClearCare partner for home healthcare, personal care - Amedisys has signed an agreement with ClearCare, Inc. to create an opportunity to establish partnerships between Amedisys home health centers and personal care agencies using ClearCare to coordinate the care of patients. The partnership will leverage Amedisys' home health footprint of 322 agencies in 34 states and ClearCare's innovative technology platform used by more than 4,000 personal care agencies, effectively connecting high-quality home health care with the growing demand for personal care at scale. ClearCare enables its partner personal care agencies to use a Change in Condition protocol to evaluate when skilled clinical support might be needed in order to recommend Amedisys' skilled home health services to their clients.

07:26 EDT Bridgewater Bancshares increases stock repurchase program to $25M - Bridgewater Bancshares announced that its board has approved a $10M increase to Bridgewater's stock repurchase program that was originally announced in January, increasing the authorization to repurchase common stock under the program from a total of $15M to up to a total of $25M. The stock repurchase program continues through January 22, 2021.

07:22 EDT Pensare Acquisition Corp. to acquire Stratos Management Systems for $65M - Pensare Acquisition Corp. announced today that it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Stratos Management Systems, Inc. and its operating companies, which do business as Computex Technology Solutions. Computex is an industry-leading IT service provider of choice focused on helping customers transform their businesses through technology. Computex offers a comprehensive portfolio of managed IT services to a wide range of clients including Unified Communications-as-a-Service, directory and messaging services, enterprise networking, cybersecurity, collaboration, data center, integration, storage, backup, virtualization, and converged infrastructure. Pensare has also entered in a non-binding Letter of Intent to acquire a leading developer of Unified Communications technology.The planned acquisitions are part of Pensare's strategy to build a leading national Cloud-Managed Unified Communications and IT Solutions Provider. Pensare also separately announced today that it has entered into an agreement with a global telecommunications provider. n addition, Pensare announced the appointment of Graham McGonigal as COO to help lead the execution of Pensare's strategy. Pursuant to the terms of the Agreement, at the closing of the proposed transaction, Pensare will acquire Computex for an aggregate of approximately $65M in cash, stock, and assumed debt, subject to certain adjustments contained in the Agreement. Pursuant to the terms of the LOI, it is proposed that Pensare would acquire the second target company for an aggregate of approximately $49.5M in cash, stock, and assumed debt, subject to certain adjustments. The price per share for any Pensare stock issued to Computex's shareholder pursuant to the transaction would be the lower of the market price per share or the lowest per share price paid by any purchaser in any private placement effected by Pensare in connection with the transaction. The transaction is expected to close in the fourth quarter of 2019. As previously announced, Pensare is seeking shareholder approval of an extension of Pensare's deadline to complete an initial business combination from August 1, 2019 to December 1, 2019.

07:20 EDT Masco announces intent to raise annual dividend by 6c per share to 54c per share

07:20 EDT Genocea expects cash, cash equivalents to support operations into 1Q21 - Genocea expects that its existing cash and cash equivalents are sufficient to support its operations into the first quarter of 2021.

07:19 EDT Genocea initiates Part B of Phase 1/2a clinical trial of GEN-009 - Genocea has initiated Part B of its Phase 1/2a clinical trial testing the safety, immunogenicity, and efficacy of its lead neoantigen vaccine candidate GEN-009 in combination with standard-of-care checkpoint inhibitors. The company also announced plans to present additional GEN-009 immunogenicity data at this year's meeting of the European Society for Medical Oncology, taking place from September 27th through October 1st, 2019 in Barcelona, Spain.

07:18 EDT Alkermes lowers 2019 Aristada sales outlook to $200M-$210M from $210-$230M - The company said, "Based on our results through the second quarter, today we are adjusting our expectations for ARISTADA net sales for 2019, to a range of $200 million to $210 million. While we remain encouraged by positive momentum in prescription trends and expected growth opportunities as we enter into the second half of the year, we are fine-tuning our guidance to reflect the current growth trajectory. Importantly, the financial expectations that we provided in February for the rest of our business, including our expectations for total revenues for the year, remain intact."

07:16 EDT Nevro granted court motion for injunction against Stimwave Technologies - Nevro announced that U.S. District Judge Colm Connolly, in the District of Delaware, granted Nevro's motion for preliminary injunction, and has issued an order barring Stimwave Technologies from infringing patent claims covering frequencies between 3 kHz and 10 kHz by programming Stimwave's SCS systems to deliver its recently introduced high-frequency, paresthesia-free SCS therapy. Per Nevro's request, the court order does not enjoin Stimwave from providing follow-up care and programming for any patients who were already programmed with such high frequency therapy.

07:16 EDT Proteostasis initiates dosing in global Phase 2 study in cystic fibrosis - Proteostasis Therapeutics announced that the first patient has been dosed in the company's 28-day, Phase 2 study evaluating its proprietary cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator modulator combinations in F508del homozygous and heterozygous CF subjects. Data from the study are expected in the first quarter of 2020.

07:12 EDT Comcast reports Q2 Sky revenue down 3.3% to $4.8B - Pro Forma Revenue for Sky decreased 3.3% to $4.8 billion in Q2. Excluding the impact of currency, revenue increased 2.4%, primarily driven by higher content and direct-to-consumer revenue, partially offset by lower advertising revenue. Content revenue increased 27.7% to $376 million, reflecting the wholesaling of sports programming, including exclusive sports rights recently acquired in Italy and Germany, as well as monetization of our slate of original programming. Direct-to-consumer revenue increased 1.7% to $3.9 billion, driven by increases in video, mobile and broadband customers, partially offset by a decrease in average revenue per customer relationship. Advertising revenue decreased 5.6% to $563 million, reflecting overall market weakness.

07:10 EDT Comcast reports Q2 NBCUniversal revenue down 0.8% to $8.2B - Revenue for NBCUniversal decreased 0.8% to $8.2 billion in the second quarter of 2019. Adjusted EBITDA increased 8.1% to $2.3 billion, reflecting increases at Broadcast Television, Filmed Entertainment, Cable Networks and Theme Parks. Cable Networks revenue increased 2.5% to $2.9 billion in the second quarter of 2019, reflecting higher distribution and content licensing and other revenue. Distribution revenue increased 3.4%, primarily due to contractual rate increases and the timing of contract renewals, partially offset by a decline in subscribers. Content licensing and other revenue increased 5.1%, due to the timing of content provided under licensing agreements. Advertising revenue was consistent with the prior year period, reflecting higher rates, offset by audience ratings declines. Adjusted EBITDA increased 2.2% to $1.2 billion in the second quarter of 2019, reflecting higher revenue, partially offset by higher programming and production costs. Broadcast Television revenue increased 0.5% to $2.4 billion in the second quarter of 2019, reflecting increased distribution and other revenue, partially offset by a decrease in advertising and content licensing revenue. Distribution and other revenue increased 14.7%, primarily due to higher retransmission consent fees. Advertising revenue decreased 4.2%, primarily due to the absence of revenue generated by Telemundo's broadcast of the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia. Excluding this event, advertising revenue increased mid-single-digits, reflecting higher pricing, partially offset by audience ratings declines. Content licensing revenue decreased 1.7%, reflecting the timing of content provided under licensing agreements. Adjusted EBITDA increased 28.3% to $534 million in the second quarter of 2019, primarily reflecting a decrease in programming and production costs, due to Telemundo's broadcast of the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia. Filmed Entertainment revenue decreased 14.8% to $1.5 billion in the second quarter of 2019, primarily due to lower theatrical revenue. Theatrical revenue decreased 53.1%, reflecting the strength of releases in last year's second quarter, including Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom, partially offset by the performance of The Secret Life of Pets 2 in this year's second quarter. Content licensing revenue increased 9.8%, driven by the timing of when content was made available under licensing agreements. Adjusted EBITDA increased by 33.0% to $183 million in the second quarter of 2019, reflecting lower revenue more than offset by lower programming and production costs.

07:08 EDT Comcast reports Q2 Cable Communications customer relationships up 3.4% to 30.9M - Revenue for Cable Communications increased 3.9% to $14.5 billion in the second quarter of 2019, driven primarily by increases in high-speed internet, business services and wireless revenue. High-speed internet revenue increased 9.4%, driven by an increase in the number of residential high-speed internet customers and rate adjustments. Business services revenue increased 9.8%, due to increases in the number of customers receiving our services and rate adjustments. Wireless revenue increased 21.0%, reflecting an increase in the number of customer lines, partially offset by lower device sales as more customers bring their own device. Other revenue increased 6.0%, primarily due to increases in revenue from our security and automation services. Advertising revenue decreased 8.7%, primarily reflecting a decrease in political advertising revenue. Excluding political advertising revenue, advertising revenue decreased 2.5%. Video revenue decreased 0.6%, reflecting a decrease in the number of residential video customers, partially offset by rate adjustments. Voice revenue decreased 1.1%, primarily due to a decrease in the number of residential voice customers. Total Customer Relationships increased by 152,000 to 30.9 million in the second quarter of 2019. Residential customer relationships increased by 123,000 and business customer relationships increased by 29,000. At the end of the second quarter, 66.6% of our residential customers received at least two Xfinity products. Total high-speed internet customer net additions were 209,000, total video customer net losses were 224,000, total voice customer net losses were 65,000 and total security and automation customer net additions were 23,000. In addition, Cable Communications added 181,000 wireless lines in the quarter, the company said.

07:02 EDT Pensare Acquisition Corporation trading halted, news dissemination

07:00 EDT Raytheon says merger close remains on track for first half of 2020 - Thomas Kennedy, Raytheon Chairman and CEO, said, "Integration planning for the merger with United Technologies is progressing well, with the integration team developing detailed execution plans to capture revenue and cost synergies rapidly and ensure seamless operations post close. We continue to expect the transaction to close in the first half of 2020."

06:58 EDT Newmont Goldcorp sees 2019 attributable production at 6.5M ounces - CAS at $735 per ounce and AISC at $975 per ounce.

06:56 EDT Tempur Sealy raises FY19 adjusted EBITDA view to $450M-$480M from $435M-$475M

06:53 EDT Southwest CEO says MAX groundings reduced operating income by $175M - Southwest (LUV) chairman and CEO Gary Kelly, stated, "We are pleased to report second quarter 2019 net income of $741 million, and a second quarter record earnings per diluted share of $1.37. Our financial and operational performance was remarkably strong considering the impact of the grounding of the Boeing (BA) 737 MAX 8 aircraft, which reduced operating income an estimated $175 million in second quarter, alone. We generated record revenues, strong margins and cash flows, a healthy profitsharing accrual for our Employees, and significant returns for our Shareholders-all notable achievements. Our Employees did a heroic job managing approximately 20,000 flight cancellations under operationally difficult circumstances, while delivering excellent Customer Service. I applaud their hard work and resilience through an unprecedented challenge for our company. Boeing reported last week a $4.9 billion after-tax charge for 'potential concessions and other considerations to customers for disruptions related to the 737 MAX grounding.' We have had preliminary discussions with Boeing regarding compensation for damages due to the MAX groundings. We have not reached any conclusions regarding these matters, and no amounts from Boeing have been included in our second quarter results. Second quarter 2019 unit revenues grew 6.8 percent, year-over-year. We benefited from a healthy revenue environment and strong performances from our award-winning Rapid Rewards(R) loyalty program and ancillary boarding products. Strong Customer demand, combined with the MAX-related flight schedule adjustments, drove our load factor to an all-time quarterly high 86.4 percent. Our revenue management capabilities implemented in 2018 also continue to deliver year-over-year benefits. Looking ahead to third quarter 2019, we are expecting another strong year-over-year unit revenue performance. The MAX groundings, and the resulting available seat mile (ASM, or capacity) decline, put significant pressure on second quarter 2019 unit costs. We expect unit cost penalties for second half 2019 due to the MAX groundings, as well. Based on the most recent guidance from Boeing, we currently are assuming regulatory approval of MAX return to service during fourth quarter 2019. With this in mind, we will proactively extend the MAX-related flight schedule adjustments through January 5, 2020, to provide reliability of our operation and dependability for our Customers booking their fall and holiday travel. Following a rescission of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) order to ground the MAX, we estimate it will take us one to two months to comply with prospective FAA directives, including all necessary Pilot training. The FAA will determine the timing of MAX return to service, and we offer no assurances that our current assumptions and timelines are correct. The vast majority of our Customers' itineraries have been unaffected by the MAX groundings, and I commend our People for their extraordinary efforts to minimize disruption to our operations. Based on the extensive delays in returning the MAX to service, we expect that annual 2019 ASMs will now decrease in the 1 to 2 percent range, year-over-year, compared with our original 2019 plan to grow capacity nearly 5 percent, year-over-year. As such, we are taking necessary steps to mitigate damages and optimize our aircraft and resources. We will cease operations at Newark Liberty International Airport and consolidate our New York City presence at New York LaGuardia Airport, effective November 3, 2019. The financial results at Newark have been below expectations, despite the efforts of our excellent Team at Newark. I am grateful to our wonderful Newark Employees, who are a top priority, and will be given an opportunity to relocate to another station in our system, including LaGuardia Airport, where we are experiencing strong Customer demand. As part of this move, we will offer options and flexibility for Customers to recover planned travel from other area airports. We are very pleased with the results from our initial waves of Hawaii service, which began back in March. Demand for Southwest service to, from, and within Hawaii is robust. While the lack of available aircraft, due to the MAX groundings, resulted in expansion delays to Hawaii, we are excited to resume growth plans next month with the first of several intended announcements. We will offer service to the Islands from both Sacramento and San Diego, as well as bring Southwest service to both Lihue, on Kauai, and Hilo, on the Island of Hawaii. We will provide details of the next phases of Hawaii flying in the coming weeks and months, as we put new flights out for sale. We are also excited to announce our intention to offer more service to Mexico, via Cozumel International Airport, in first quarter 2020, subject to requisite governmental approvals. With Cozumel, we will serve four destinations in Mexico, with year-round service from Houston Hobby. Despite challenges caused by the MAX groundings, our network is performing well, and our financial outlook for second half 2019 remains solid. Looking ahead, our long-term financial goals remain unchanged: maintain a strong balance sheet, investment-grade credit ratings, and ample liquidity; generate robust operating and free cash flows; grow earnings, margins, and capital returns; and maintain healthy Shareholder returns."

06:48 EDT Crescent Point Energy cuts FY19 production guidance to 168,000-172,000 boe/d - Crescent Point Energy lowered its FY19 production guidance to 168,000-172,000 boe/d from 170,000-174,000 boe/d.

06:42 EDT EQT Corporation sees FY19 total sales volume 1,480-1,520 Bcfe - Sees 2019 total liquids sales volume 12,585-12,985 Mbbls.

06:39 EDT Torchmark subsidiary Globe Life is official life insurance of the Dallas Cowboys - Globe Life announced a new, multi-year relationship with the Dallas Cowboys. Globe Life is now the official life insurance of the Dallas Cowboys. The sponsorship includes advertising and corporate events at both AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas and The Star in Frisco, the Dallas Cowboys world corporate headquarters and training facility in Frisco, Texas and speaking engagements with leadership from the Cowboys.

06:37 EDT AB InBev sees 'strong' revenue, EBITDA growth in FY19 - AB InBev said: "In FY19, we continue to expect to deliver strong revenue and EBITDA growth, driven by the solid performance of our brand portfolio and strong commercial plans. Our growth model is even more focused on category expansion, targeting a more balanced top-line growth between volume and revenue per hl. We expect to deliver revenue per hl growth ahead of inflation based on premiumization and revenue management initiatives, while keeping costs below inflation. We continue to expect CoS per hl to increase by mid-single digits, with currency and commodity headwinds to be offset by cost management initiatives. We maintain our 3.2 billion USD synergy and cost savings expectation on a constant currency basis as of August 2016. From this total, 547 million USD was reported by former SAB as of 31 March 2016, and 2 604 million USD was captured between 1 April 2016 and 30 June 2019. The balance of roughly 50 million USD is expected to be captured by the end of 2019. We expect net capital expenditure of between 4.0 and 4.5 billion USD in FY19. We expect dividends to be a growing flow over time, although growth in the short term is expected to be modest given our deleveraging commitments."

06:35 EDT Valero continues to see CapEx of $2.5B in 2019, 2020 - The Houston alkylation unit was successfully commissioned in the second quarter of 2019. This project upgrades isobutane and refinery olefins into high value alkylate product. The Central Texas pipelines and terminals project is on target to be fully operational in the third quarter. Other projects, including the Pasadena terminal, St. Charles alkylation unit, and Pembroke cogeneration unit, remain on track to be complete in 2020. The Diamond Green Diesel expansion and Port Arthur Coker are expected to be complete in late 2021 and 2022, respectively. Valero continues to expect to invest approximately $2.5B of capital in both 2019 and 2020, of which approximately 60% is for sustaining the business and approximately 40% is for growth projects.

06:25 EDT Targa Resources' President Matthew Meloy to become CEO March 1, 2020 - Targa Resources announced updates regarding management succession planning and transition. Effective March 1, 2020, Matthew Meloy, current President, will become CEO and will be elected to the board of directors. Joe Bob Perkins, current CEO, will remain as a member of the management team and will become Executive Chairman of the Board of Directors. James Whalen, current Executive Chairman, will retire from the management team and will continue to serve on the Board of Directors. The changes announced today continue the succession and transition in leadership contemplated under Targa's ongoing management succession plan developed with and approved by Targa's Board of Directors. Perkins was the founding President of Targa and its predecessor companies from inception in 2003 and has served as CEO since 2012. Meloy has served as President since March 2018. He previously served as CFO of the company from October 2010 until March 2018.

06:17 EDT Precision Drilling still sees 2019 CapEx $169M

06:15 EDT Total says planning $5B in asset sales - Total will sell around $5B worth of assets, mostly from its upstream exploration and production business, in a move to focus on low breakeven projects that can weather weak oil prices, the company said in a statement.

06:13 EDT Uber announces resignation of Benchmark's Matt Cohler from board - In a regulatory filing, Uber said that on July 23, Matt Cohler informed the company of his intention to resign as a member of its board of directors, effective as of July 24, 2019. In a note to the Board regarding Cohler's departure, Dr. Sugar stated: "Matt and Benchmark's immeasurable contributions have helped make Uber the company it is today. We wish them continued success as they nurture the next generation of world-changing companies." Cohler stated: "My partners at Benchmark and I have had the privilege of being part of the Uber journey since the Series A nearly a decade ago. I'm thrilled with the company's position, excited for the road ahead, and extend my deepest thanks to all of Uber's past and present employees, directors, drivers, and customers." Cohler's resignation was not the result of any disagreement between Cohler and the company, its management, board of directors or any committee thereof, or with respect to any matter relating to the company's operations, policies or practices.

06:13 EDT TRI Pointe expects to open 14 new communities and close out 12 in Q3 - Anticipates delivering 45% to 50% of its 2,208 homes in backlog as of June 30, 2019 at an average sales price of $620K. Expects its homebuilding gross margin percentage to be in a range of 21.0% to 22.0% for Q3. The Company anticipates its SG&A expense as a percentage of homes sales revenue will be in a range of 12.0% to 12.5%. Expects its effective tax rate to be in the range of 25% to 26%.

06:07 EDT LKQ Corp. cuts FY19 CapEx view to $225M-$275M from $250M-$300M - Raises FY19 cash flow from operations view to $800M-$875M from $775M-$850M.

06:05 EDT Patterson-UTI sees average of 92 rigs operating under term contracts during Q3 - Andy Hendricks, Patterson-UTI's CEO, said, "E&P companies are being extra vigilant this year in monitoring their spend due to commodity price volatility and the increased focus on spending within their budgets. We believe E&P companies are slowing drilling and completion activity to smooth their spending run rate and reduce the risk of budget exhaustion later in the year. Our rig count, which averaged 158 rigs during the second quarter, is expected to average 142 rigs during the third quarter." Hendricks added, "During the second quarter, average rig revenue per operating day increased to $24,200, and average rig margin per operating day increased to $10,170. These results include the benefit of $280 per operating day from $4.0 million of revenue from early contract terminations. Average rig direct operating cost per operating day was $14,030 for the second quarter, compared to $13,880 for the first quarter. As of June 30, 2019, we had term contracts for drilling rigs providing for approximately $720 million of future dayrate drilling revenue, compared to $650 million at the end of the first quarter, as we signed long-term contract extensions with a major oil company. Based on contracts currently in place, we expect an average of 92 rigs operating under term contracts during the third quarter, and an average of 58 rigs operating under term contracts during the 12 months ending June 30, 2020. In pressure pumping, second quarter results were similar to the first quarter as improving operational efficiencies offset a decline in the number of active spreads. We ended the second quarter with 15 active spreads. Pressure pumping gross margin for the second quarter was $44.9 million on revenues of $251 million, compared to first quarter gross margin of $44.9 million on revenues of $248 million. Adjusted EBITDA per spread increased by 18% during the second quarter. Across the pressure pumping industry, we expect completion activity will follow drilling activity lower in the third quarter. We expect to maintain 15 active spreads during the third quarter, but we expect lower utilization of the active spreads will negatively impact pressure pumping revenues and margin. In directional drilling, gross margin improved to $8.1 million in the second quarter from $7.4 million in the first quarter, as we focused on improving our efficiency and reducing costs. In the second quarter, directional drilling direct operating costs decreased by $3.5 million to $42.1 million, offsetting a $2.7 million reduction in revenues to $50.2 million." Hendricks concluded, "The second quarter was another quarter of strong cash flow generation as we reduced capital spending during the quarter. Given current market conditions, we remain focused on generating strong cash flow and are therefore reducing our expected capital expenditures for 2019 to approximately $400 million from our prior expectation of $465 million."

06:03 EDT Dow Inc. CEO says market conditions 'challenging' - Jim Fitterling, CEO, commented on the quarter: "In spite of challenging market conditions, our results reflect the benefits of Dow's streamlined and more focused portfolio, continued cost synergy savings and stranded cost removal. In the quarter, we faced margin compression in our intermediate products in both our core business and equity earnings. However, we achieved demand growth in packaging applications, supported by new capacity on the U.S. Gulf Coast. We delivered more than $175 million of savings from cost synergies and stranded cost removal. We also moved quickly to further tighten our expense and capital spending in response to the macro environment. We delivered higher cash flow from operations. And on a sequential basis, after adjusting for higher planned maintenance spending, the Dow team achieved core earnings growth. This result underscores our discipline and focus on agile operational and financial management."

06:02 EDT Dow Inc. lowers FY19 CapEx view to $2B from $2.5B - "Looking ahead, we still see global growth, but the pace of that expansion has slowed, as buying patterns remain cautious due to ongoing trade and geopolitical uncertainties," said Fitterling. "In this environment, we will maintain cost and operating discipline by continuing cost synergy and stranded cost removal actions, by reducing our planned capital expenditures for the year from $2.5 billion to $2 billion, without sacrificing high-return growth projects, and by continuing with disciplined margin management. These near-term steps are responsive to the current market environment. Over the longer-term, our purpose-built portfolio and leading business positions, combined with a leaner cost structure and a suite of incremental, high-return growth investments, will continue to differentiate Dow and drive our earnings growth trajectory."

05:15 EDT Bio-Rad motion for permanent injunction against 10X Genomics granted by DE court - Bio-Rad Laboratories announces that the Delaware District Court granted Bio-Rad's motion for permanent injunction against 10X Genomics from making any sales of infringing products to new customers and granting Bio-Rad's request for supplemental damages and pre- and post-judgement interest. The court also acknowledged Bio-Rad's agreement to allow 10X to continue to sell consumables for use with already sold systems, subject to payment of a royalty.