Stockwinners Market Radar for October 18, 2019 - Earnings, Upgrades downgrades, option trades, Best Stock Advisory Service

18:24 EDT Tandy Leather CFO Castillo to step down - Tandy Leather Factory announced thatTina Castillo, Tandy's Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer, has notified the company that she will be stepping down from those positions effective today. A search for a new CFO will be launched immediately, and Castillo has agreed to stay on in another role through the end of February 2020 to provide transition. An experienced Interim CFO has been appointed effective October 21, 2019 and will serve until a permanent replacement is appointed. Additional information on these changes can also be found in the Form 8-K filed with the SEC today.

18:03 EDT U.S. lawmakers request Apple restore HKMapp app in Hong Kong - U.S. Senators Ron Wyden, Tom Cotton, Marco Rubio, and Ted Cruz, along with representatives Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Mike Gallagher, and Tom Malinowski, issued a letter to Apple CEO Tim Cook to express "strong concern" about the company's "censorship of apps, including a prominent app used by protesters in Hong Kong, at the behest of the Chinese government." "Apple's decisions last week to accommodate the Chinese government by taking down HKMaps is deeply concerning," the letter reads. "We urge you in the strongest terms to reverse course, to demonstrate that Apple puts values above market access, and to stand with the brave men and women fighting for basic rights and dignity in Hong Kong." Reference Link

17:43 EDT Teck Resources gets approval for stock buyback for up to 40M class B shares - Teck Resources has been informed that the Toronto Stock Exchange has accepted Teck's notice of intention to make a normal course issuer bid to purchase its Class B subordinate voting shares. Under the normal course issuer bid, Teck may purchase up to 40M Class B Shares during the period starting October 28, 2019 and ending October 27, 2020, representing approximately 7.3% of the outstanding Class B Shares, or 8.2% of the public float, as at October 10, 2019. 546,354,130 Class B Shares were issued and outstanding as at that date.

17:21 EDT FTE Networks receives noncompliance notice from NYSE American - FTE Networks announced that on October 14, 2019, the company received a notice of non-compliance from the NYSE Regulation staff of the New York Stock Exchange advising the company that it was no longer in compliance with NYSE's continued listing requirements set forth in Part 8 of the NYSE American Company guide as a result of the board resignations that were disclosed in the company's Form 8-K filed on October 11, 2019. Specifically, after giving effect to the board and respective committee resignations, NYSE informed the company that: (1) the company's Audit Committee was no longer compliant with Section 803B2c and Section 803B2aiii of the company Guide as it was no longer composed of two independent members and did not have a financially sophisticated audit committee member and; (2) and the company's Compensation Committee was no longer compliant with the requirements set forth in Section 805a of the Company Guide.

16:40 EDT BNY Mellon SVP Harris sells 50K shares of common stock - In a regulatory filing, BNY Mellon disclosed that its Senior Executive VP Mitchell Harris sold 50K shares of common stock on October 17th. The total transaction size was $2.23M.

16:35 EDT Bank of America's Knox sells 40,000 common shares - In a regulatory filing, Bank of America Private Bank president Kathleen A. Knox disclosed the sale of 40,000 common shares of the company at a price of $30.23 per share.

16:13 EDT UnitedHealth's Burke sells 25,000 common shares - In a regulatory filing, UnitedHealth director Richard T. Burke disclosed the sale of 25,000 common shares of the company at a price of $236.5606 per share.

16:02 EDT Shore shareholders approve of merger with 1st Constitution Bancorp - 1ST Constitution Bancorp (FCCY), parent company of 1ST Constitution Bank, and Shore Community Bank (SHRC) announced that, at a special meeting, Shore shareholders approved the agreement and plan of merger, dated as of June 23, by and among 1ST Constitution, 1ST Constitution Bank and Shore, providing for the merger of Shore with and into 1ST Constitution Bank, with 1ST Constitution Bank as the surviving entity. The shareholders of 1ST Constitution are not voting on the merger. The closing of the merger remains subject to a number of conditions as set forth in the merger agreement. The merger is expected to close on November 8.

15:42 EDT Micro Focus International trading halted, news pending

15:24 EDT Aerojet Rocketdyne announces collaboration with Firefly Aerospace - Aerojet Rocketdyne and Firefly Aerospace announced a cooperative agreement that combines the capabilities of both companies to provide space access solutions. Aerojet Rocketdyne and Firefly will serve the government and commercial market by providing dedicated small and medium launch capabilities to low Earth orbit, geosynchronous orbit and the Moon. "This collaboration will leverage Firefly's new family of launch vehicles and in-space services with Aerojet Rocketdyne's experience in propulsion development, additive manufacturing and mission assurance for commercial, national security and exploration missions," the companies stated.

15:00 EDT Micro Focus International trading resumes

14:53 EDT Micro Focus International trading halted, volatility trading pause

14:38 EDT FedEx announces launch of drone delivery pilot program in Virginia - FedEx announced that, "for the first time in the United States," a drone completed a scheduled commercial residential delivery to a home in Christiansburg, Virginia. The drone delivery was conducted by Wing Aviation, in collaboration with FedEx Express, as part of the U.S. Department of Transportation's Unmanned Aircraft Systems Integration Pilot Program, the company stated. "Today's delivery of a FedEx Express package marks the launch of the first scheduled, commercial residential drone delivery service and the first scheduled e-commerce delivery via drone delivery trial in the United States," FedEx added. As previously reported, Wing has received the first authorization from the FAA to conduct scheduled, commercial drone package delivery to residences, and for the duration of the trial, Wing drones will transport select FedEx packages to qualifying homes in Christiansburg, said FedEx.

13:03 EDT Baker Hughes reports U.S. rig count down 5 to 851 rigs - Baker Hughes reports that the U.S. rig count is down 5 rigs from last week to 851, with oil rigs up 1 to 713, gas rigs down 6 to 137, and miscellaneous rigs unchanged at 1. The U.S. Rig Count is down 216 rigs from last year's count of 1,067, with oil rigs down 160, gas rigs down 57, and miscellaneous rigs up 1 to 1. The U.S. Offshore Rig Count is down 2 to 22 and up 2 rigs year-over-year. The Canada Rig Count is down 3 rigs from last week to 143, with oil rigs down 4 to 98 and gas rigs up 1 to 45. The Canada Rig Count is down 48 rigs from last year's count of 191, with oil rigs down 25 and gas rigs down 23.

12:30 EDT Oracle confirms passing of co-CEO Mark Hurd - Oracle CTO and cofounder Larry Ellison said in an announcement on Mark Hurd's personal website that "It is with a profound sense of sadness and loss that I tell everyone here at Oracle that Mark Hurd passed away early this morning. Mark was my close and irreplaceable friend, and trusted colleague. Oracle has lost a brilliant and beloved leader who personally touched the lives of so many of us during his decade at Oracle. All of us will miss Mark's keen mind and rare ability to analyze, simplify and solve problems quickly. Some of us will miss his friendship and mentorship. I will miss his kindness and sense of humor. Mark leaves his beloved wife Paula, two wonderful daughters who were the joy of his life, and his much larger extended family here at Oracle who came to love him. I know that many of us are inconsolable right now, but we are left with memories and a sense of gratitude...that we had the opportunity to get know Mark, the opportunity to work with him...and become his friend." Reference Link

12:00 EDT Slack Technologies falls -10.3% - Slack Technologies is down -10.3%, or -$2.47 to $21.53.

12:00 EDT Gildan Activewear falls -23.7% - Gildan Activewear is down -23.7%, or -$8.38 to $27.00.

12:00 EDT Borr Drilling rises 7.5% - Borr Drilling is up 7.5%, or 45c to $6.44.

11:26 EDT AMS AG to launch new EUR41 per share takeover offer for Osram - ams AG (AMSSY) announces that it intends to launch a new all-cash takeover offer for Osram Licht AG (OSAGY) for 100% of the share capital of Osram at a price of EUR 41.00 per share. The Offer which represents a premium of 42% to the undisturbed Osram share price of EUR 28.92 as of 2 July 2019 will be launched by ams Offer GmbH, a newly incorporated, wholly owned subsidiary of ams. ams is the largest shareholder in Osram with a direct shareholding of 19.99% which ams will not exceed outside of the offer. As a result of ams' shareholder position, ams has lowered the minimum acceptance threshold to 55%. Alexander Everke, CEO of ams, said, "We are convinced that our offer will be successful as it provides a highly attractive, fully valued price at a straightforward acceptance threshold. As the pre-eminent Osram shareholder at 19.99%, we are furthermore convinced that this Offer is the best available option for Osram shareholders. The strategic rationale of creating a global leader in sensor solutions and photonics, with strong European roots, is unchanged and offers a compelling opportunity for Osram, ams and our shareholders. We are in constructive discussions with Osram to update the existing Cooperation Agreement, clearly underpinning our commitments to employees and manufacturing locations in Germany. We appreciate the fruitful discussions with the Management and Supervisory Board of Osram and look forward to working alongside the present Osram Management Board to realize our strategic vision."

11:05 EDT Sally Beauty to create approx. 40 new positions at Texas headquarters - Sally Beauty Holdings announced plans to expand its investment in North Texas and the surrounding communities. The company is investing in new talent and capabilities in digital commerce, brand marketing and strategy and global sourcing. As part of this effort, approximately 40 new positions will be created at the Company's Denton, Texas headquarters. The new expert capabilities will support both the Sally Beauty Supply retail beauty business and the Beauty Systems Group wholesale distribution beauty business. The Company also announced the planned remodel of approximately 100 Sally Beauty Supply stores in the North Texas region, with stores in communities surrounding Dallas-Fort Worth being upgraded consistent with Sally Beauty Supply's recent concept store test in Las Vegas. An additional 75 stores in communities surrounding the North Texas area will be remodeled or relocated depending on market assessments and negotiations with landlords as part of Sally Beauty Supply's store operations transformation efforts. Finally, the previously announced opening of a new 500,000 square foot automated distribution node in Denton County, Texas, is on track for opening by March 2020. The operation will create 270 new jobs in the Dallas-Fort Worth area.

10:22 EDT State Street sees servicing fees 'flattish' in Q4, management fees up 1%-2% - Sees markets business "down somewhat" in Q4.

10:00 EDT Sensient falls -8.8% - Sensient is down -8.8%, or -$5.88 to $60.63.

10:00 EDT Gildan Activewear falls -25.8% - Gildan Activewear is down -25.8%, or -$9.12 to $26.26.

10:00 EDT Kansas City Southern rises 6.0% - Kansas City Southern is up 6.0%, or $8.13 to $143.55.

09:47 EDT Sensient falls -10.7% - Sensient is down -10.7%, or -$7.14 to $59.37.

09:47 EDT Gildan Activewear falls -31.1% - Gildan Activewear is down -31.1%, or -$10.99 to $24.39.

09:47 EDT Ranger Energy rises 6.7% - Ranger Energy is up 6.7%, or 38c to $6.10.

09:33 EDT Schlumberger says sees FY19 CapEx $1.6B-$1.7B - Says: Expects FY20 International growth "to remain in place"... Too early to predict FY20 North America growth... Steeper Q4 North America seasonal weakness due to budget exhaustion... Currently has three asset divestitures underway... Two of three asset sales relate to JV partnerships... Conducting "deep review" of North America land... Expects to grow International margin in FY20... Expects to be "very cautious" with capital deployment in FY20... Expects CapEx on SPM business lower in FY20... Sees "big prize" in digital oilfield market... Has a few offers for Argentina asset sale... Expects FY20 SPM cash flow higher than FY19... Expects International seasonal decline to impact Q4 results.

09:22 EDT Consolidated-Tomoka announces sale of golf operations for $3.45M - Consolidated-Tomoka Land announced the closing of the sale of its golf operations, consisting of the LPGA International Golf Club, for total proceeds to the Company of approximately $3.45M. The Company provided the buyer, an affiliate of Fore Golf Services, financing in the form of a first mortgage loan. In addition, the Company paid off its remaining liability to the City of Daytona Beach totaling approximately $540,000, which related to the per round surcharge the Company agreed to pay the City in connection with the Company's prior buy-out of the land lease with the City. As part of the Golf Transaction, Fore Golf agreed to pay the Company approximately $560,000 in the future based on a per round surcharge of $1.50 per round for each round played at the Golf Club. The Fore Golf Loan has a term of one year.

09:09 EDT Fly Intel: Pre-market Movers - UP AFTER EARNINGS: Coca-Cola (KO), up 2%... Intuitive Surgery (ISRG), up 3%... Synchrony (SYF), up 2%... Schlumberger (SLB), up 1%... American Express (AXP), up 1%... State Street (STT), up 3%...Kansas City Southern (KSU), up 3%. ALSO HIGHER: Snap (SNAP), up 3% after BofA Merrill Lynch analyst Justin Post upgraded the stock to Buy from Neutral with an $18 price target. The stock has sold off despite "solid" industry and advertising spend channel checks, Post tells investors. DOWN AFTER EARNINGS: Sensient (SXT), down 2%... Gentex (GNTX), down 2%. ALSO LOWER: CSX (CSX), down 1% after announcing its intention to purchase approximately 4.7M shares from Mantle Ridge amid Mantle Ridge's sale of an additional approximately 18.8M shares into the market.... Macy's (M), down 4% after Credit Suisse analyst Michael Binetti downgraded the stock to Underperform from Neutral with a price target of $12, down from $19... L Brands (LB), down 6% after Credit Suisse's Binetti downgraded shares to Underperform from Neutral with a price target of $14, down from $22... Gap (GPS), down 6% after Credit Suisse's Binetti downgraded the stock to Underperform from Neutral with a price target of $14, down from $20.

09:07 EDT Cerner to acquire IT consulting and engineering firm AbleVets - Cerner announced a definitive agreement to acquire AbleVets-a strategic IT consulting and engineering firm-as a wholly-owned subsidiary. The acquisition of the Washington, DC area-based company will provide Cerner even greater scale and technical expertise in designing and implementing modernization solutions, particularly in the federal space. The companies expect to complete the transaction in the fourth quarter. "AbleVets has been a trusted partner to Cerner and is providing critical support to our federal programs," said Travis Dalton, president, Cerner Government Services. "Integrating the team into our business is a natural next step of our relationship. We expect AbleVets' technical expertise and execution in solving complex problems will accelerate Cerner's success in providing integrated, seamless care for Veterans, Service members and their families."

09:02 EDT Amgen announces FDA approval of sBLA for Nplate - Amgen announced that the U.S. FDA approved Amgen's Supplemental Biologics License Application for Nplate to include new data in its U.S. prescribing information showing sustained platelet responses in adults with immune thrombocytopenia , a rare, serious autoimmune disease characterized by low platelet counts. The updated indication expands treatment with Nplate to newly diagnosed and persistent adult ITP patients who have had an insufficient response to corticosteroids, immunoglobulins or splenectomy. In December of last year, the FDA approved another sBLA for Nplate in the treatment of pediatric patients with ITP.

08:52 EDT American Express CFO says no change in plans with CECL

08:48 EDT Coca-Cola says can achieve FY19 EPS view even with increasing currency headwinds

08:46 EDT Vertex announces CHMP opinion for Kalydeco to include infants with CF - Vertex announced that the European Medicines Agency's, or EMA, Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use, or CHMP, adopted an opinion for Kalydeco to include use in infants with cystic fibrosis, or CF, ages six months to less than 12 months who have one of the following mutations in their cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator, or CFTR, gene: G551D, G1244E, G1349D, G178R, G551S, S1251N, S1255P, S549N or S549R. If the European Commission issues a favorable adoption of the EMA CHMP opinion for the extension of indication, ivacaftor will be the first and only medicine approved in Europe to treat the underlying cause of CF in patients ages six months to less than 12 months, who have specific mutations in the CFTR gene. The submission was supported by data from the ongoing Phase 3 open-label safety study of children with CF ages six months to less than 12 months who have certain mutations in the CFTR gene. The study showed a safety profile similar to that observed in previous Phase 3 studies of older children and adults, and improvements in sweat chloride, a key secondary efficacy endpoint.

08:41 EDT Johnson & Johnson voluntarily recalling single lot of Baby Powder in U.S. - Johnson & Johnson Consumer is initiating a voluntary recall in the U.S. of a single lot of its Johnson's Baby Powder in response to an FDA test indicating the presence of sub-trace levels of chrysotile asbestos contamination, no greater than 0.00002%, in samples from a single bottle purchased from an online retailer. JJCI is initiating this voluntary recall of Lot #22318RB of Johnson's Baby Powder, from which the tested sample was taken. In parallel, JJCI has initiated an investigation and is working with the FDA to determine the integrity of the tested sample, and the validity of the test results. At this stage of the investigation, JJCI cannot confirm if cross-contamination of the sample caused a false positive, whether the sample was taken from a bottle with an intact seal or whether the sample was prepared in a controlled environment, or whether the tested product is authentic or counterfeit.

08:40 EDT American Express sees consistent trends continuing into Q4 - Comments provided in Q3 earnings conference call.

08:39 EDT Coca-Cola says expects to bring Coke Energy to the U.S. in 2020

08:34 EDT Amerant Bancorp appoints Manolo Cuervo as head of human resources - Amerant (AMTB) announced that Manolo Cuervo has been named EVP Human Resources. Cuervo will lead all HR initiatives and strategies for the organization. Prior to joining Amerant, Cuervo most recently served as Managing Director of Regional Rewards and Recognition for Citi (C).

08:34 EDT Coca-Cola says 'on track' to deliver EPS commitments - Comments taken from the Q3 earnings conference call.

08:32 EDT Novan submits request for pre-IND meeting with FDA for SB207 - Novan announced that the Company has submitted a request for a pre-IND meeting with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for new product candidate, SB207. The Company anticipates that the meeting will be held in December 2019. Novan has identified targeted viral opportunities of high unmet need where the Company's nitric oxide releasing technology could provide clinical benefit to patients. The SB207 product incorporates the Company's existing drug substance, berdazimer sodium, with a new formulation specifically engineered and tailored to be effective within a number of viral indications. Novan also anticipates that SB207 is a product candidate well-suited for an external genital warts program. The drug substance in SB207 has previously been tested in Phase 2 clinical studies of Novan's existing product candidate for external genital warts and molluscum contagiosum. Data from these trials demonstrated that SB206 was both efficacious and well-tolerated.

08:22 EDT Full House Resorts enters agreements for online/mobile sports wagering - Full House Resorts (FLL) announced that it has entered into two additional agreements allowing for online/mobile sports wagering throughout Indiana and Colorado. Both agreements are with WSI US, LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Wynn Resorts (WYNN), and the primary operating company for its interactive gaming and sports wagering business. On September 24, 2019, Full House Resorts filed an 8-K with the SEC summarizing the other sports wagering agreements that it had previously executed for Indiana and Colorado. Sports wagering in Colorado is contingent upon ratification in a statewide referendum scheduled for November 5, 2019.

08:13 EDT Delcath Systems board of directors authorizes 1-for-100 reverse stock split - Delcath Systems announces that the Company's Board of Directors has authorized a reverse stock split of the Company's common stock at a ratio of 1-for-100. The Company's Board of Directors was authorized to effect the reverse stock split by shareholder approval of its Proxy Solicitation filed with the Securities Exchange Commission on August 19, 2019. The proposal to effect a reverse stock split was approved by shareholders on September 17, 2019. The reverse stock split will be effected prior to the initiation of trading on October 22, 2019. Beginning with the October 22, 2019 trading date, Delcath's shares will be designated by the symbol DCTHD for 20 trading days, and thereafter will revert to the symbol DCTH. The new CUSIP number for the common stock following the reverse stock split will be 24661P 807. The reverse stock split will reduce the number of shares of common stock issued and outstanding or reserved for issuance from approximately 1.4B to approximately 14M.

08:11 EDT Aravive announces publication of AVB-500 nonclinical study - Aravive announced publication of data from a nonclinical study of AVB-500, the company's lead product candidate, which demonstrated reduction in tumor size and blood vessel density in animal models of clear cell renal cell carcinoma. The research elucidates the role of GAS6/AXL signaling in promoting tumor angiogenesis through control of plasminogen receptor S100A10. The study, entitled "S100A10 is a critical mediator of GAS6/AXL-induced angiogenesis in renal cell carcinoma" was published in the October edition of the peer-reviewed journal Cancer Research. Key conclusions of the study include: Genetic inhibition of AXL in ccRCC cells reduces tumor vessel density and growth. GAS6/AXL signaling promotes S100A10 expression in ccRCC cells through SRC family kinase activity. GAS6 inhibition by AVB-500 synergizes with pazopanib and axitinib to reduce ccRCC patient-derived xenograft growth and vessel density. GAS6 inhibition by AVB-500 reduces the growth of a TKI resistant ccRCC patient-derived xenograft.

08:07 EDT State Street sees Q4 NII down 3%-5% sequentially - Expects fee revenue to be up 1%-2% sequentially driven by CRD seasonality. Expect NIIs to be down (3)%-(5)% sequentially adjusting for 3Q19 episodic market-related benefits, driven by lower long-end rates. Expects expenses excluding notable items to be approximately flat sequentially.

08:03 EDT Nuvectra submits chemical composition, biocompatibility data to FDA for Virtis - Nuvectra announced it has submitted supplementary chemical composition and biocompatibility data to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in support of the company's Virtis pre-market approval, PMA, application for the treatment of chronic urinary retention and symptoms of overactive bladder. Fred Parks, Chief Executive Officer, commented, "In April of this year, the FDA requested additional information on chemical composition and biocompatibility regarding our Virtis PMA application. Today, with all requested studies favorably concluded, we submitted the results to the FDA and believe we have fully satisfied their request for supplemental toxicity and biocompatibility data. I'd like to thank the Nuvectra team, led by Chief Technical Operations Officer Ben Tranchina, and our partners for their diligence and timely efforts of this critical milestone. We plan to continue to execute upon our strategic initiatives and work cooperatively with the FDA to conclude the PMA review for a potential approval

07:54 EDT Synchrony says deposits at $66B comprises 76% of funding - Says will be exclusive issuer of Venmo co-branded consumer credit card. Says had active quarter for renewals. Says had many recent successes in care credit network. Says payment solutions delivered strong quarter driven by home furnishings and power. Says deposits at $66B comprise 76% of funding. Says focusing on reducing rate sensitivity and acquisition costs. Says expects FY19 net charge-off at lower end of 5.7%-5.9% range. Comments taken from Q3 earnings conference call.

07:35 EDT AbbVie receives CHMP positive opinion for Upadacitinib in arthritis - AbbVie announced that the European Medicines Agency's, or EMA, Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use adopted a positive opinion for Rinvoq, a once-daily selective and reversible JAK inhibitor discovered and developed by AbbVie, for the treatment of adult patients with moderate to severe active rheumatoid arthritis who have responded inadequately to, or who are intolerant to one or more disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs. The positive opinion is for use of upadacitinib as monotherapy or in combination with methotrexate. The CHMP positive opinion is supported by data from the global Phase 3 SELECT rheumatoid arthritis program. Across all five studies, all primary and ranked secondary endpoints were met, including low disease activity and clinical remission; the studies showed a consistent safety profile.The Marketing Authorization will be valid in all member states of the European Union, as well as Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway. The Commission decision is anticipated within 67 days following the CHMP opinion.

07:33 EDT Pintec Technology says Jing Zhou tendered resignation as company's president - Pintec Technology Holdings announced that Ms. Jing Zhou has tendered her resignation as the company's President in order to devote more time to her family. Ms. Zhou's resignation will be effective as of today, but she will continue to advise for the company. Meanwhile, Dr. Victor Li will assume Ms. Zhou's previous responsibilities, overseeing the development of the company's international business. Mr. Jun Dong, acting Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of PINTEC, commented, "On behalf of PINTEC and our board of directors, I would like to thank Ms. Zhou for her dedication to the company and her contributions to our rapid business expansion, both at home and abroad. As we highly value Ms. Zhou's experience and expertise, she will serve as an advisor to the Company following her resignation from her current position. We understand Ms. Zhou's desire to spend more time with her family and wish her all the best in her future endeavors."

07:28 EDT Ameris Bancorp backs FY19 normalized ROTCE view 17%-19% - Says managed minimal rate sensitivity despite growth in total assets and pressure on deposit costs. Says FY20 EPS growth estimates are higher than peers due to Fidelity Southern acquisition. Says cost savings from Fidelity Southern acquisition to be fully implemented by the end of Q1. Says Q3 core operating expense increased in Q3 due to Fidelity Southern acquisition, but expects cost saves in Q4 as data conversion is completed in November. Comments taken from Q3 investor presentation slides.

07:14 EDT Schlumberger says recorded $12.7B pre-tax charge over impairment in Q3 - The company said, "The third quarter results reflect a $12.7 billion pretax charge driven by market conditions. This charge is almost entirely non-cash and primarily relates to goodwill, intangible assets, and fixed assets."

07:12 EDT Coca-Cola reports Q3 unit case volume grew 2% - Unit case volume grew 2%, primarily driven by strong growth in developing and emerging markets in addition to solid growth in North America. Price/mix grew 6% for the quarter through revenue growth management initiatives and a benefit from geographic mix. Concentrate sales were 4 points behind unit case volume growth due to the timing of shipments during the quarter, in addition to cycling the timing of shipments in Brazil in the prior year.

07:04 EDT Merck receives CHMP recommendation for approval of two Keytruda regimens - Merck announced that the Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use, or CHMP, of the European Medicines Agency has adopted an opinion recommending approval of two regimens of Keytruda, Merck's anti-PD-1 therapy, for the first-line treatment of metastatic or unresectable recurrent head and neck squamous cell carcinoma, or HNSCC. Keytruda, as monotherapy or in combination with platinum and 5-fluorouracil chemotherapy, is recommended in patients whose tumors express PD-L1. This recommendation is based on data from the pivotal Phase 3 KEYNOTE-048 trial, in which Keytruda, as monotherapy and in combination with chemotherapy, demonstrated a significant improvement in overall survival, compared with standard treatment, in these patient populations. Merck currently has the largest immuno-oncology clinical development program in HNSCC and is continuing to advance multiple registration-enabling studies investigating Keytruda as monotherapy and in combination with other cancer treatments-including, KEYNOTE-412 and KEYNOTE-689. The CHMP's recommendation will now be reviewed by the European Commission for marketing authorization in the EU, and a final decision is expected in Q4.

07:03 EDT Verrica Pharmaceuticals announces presentation of data from VP-102 trials - Verrica Pharmaceuticals announced the presentation of positive data from three abstracts evaluating the efficacy and safety of VP-102, the Company's lead product candidate for the treatment of molluscum contagiosum and common warts. These data are being presented in poster form at the 2019 39th Annual Fall Clinical Dermatology Conference in Las Vegas, NV. Data from a pooled analysis of the Phase 3 CAMP-1 and CAMP-2 clinical studies showed that treatment with VP-102 brought about a statistically significantly higher rate of complete lesion clearance at Day 84 compared to vehicle. Complete clearance of all molluscum lesions at the end of study visit occurred in 50% of subjects treated with VP-102, as compared to 15.6% for vehicle. In addition, mean lesion counts decreased by 76% for subjects in the VP-102 group, compared to a 0.3% decrease in the vehicle arm by the EOS visit. VP-102 was well-tolerated, and adverse events were primarily mild to moderate in intensity, with the most common adverse events related to the pharmacodynamic action of cantharidin, including application site vesicles, pruritus, pain, erythema, and scab. Rates of discontinuation of study medication due to an adverse event were low. A second pooled analysis of the CAMP studies evaluated the time course and percentage of subjects with greater than 75% and greater than 90% reduction in lesions at the EOS visit in the intent-to-treat population. Data demonstrated that as early as Day 21, greater than 75% and greater than 90% lesion clearance rates were statistically significantly higher with VP-102 treatment as compared to vehicle. At EOS, 77.7% of VP-102 subjects achieved greater than 75% reduction in lesions compared to 34.9% for vehicle, and 65.8% of VP-102 subjects achieved greater than 90% reduction of lesions compared to 27.1% for vehicle. The Phase 2 COVE-1 open label study evaluated the efficacy and safety of VP-102 in subjects with up to six common warts in two cohorts. Cohort 2 subjects receiving VP-102 showed a change of -50.9% of common warts and 51.4% of subjects showed complete clearance of warts at the primary endpoint of Day 84. Clinical response was maintained through the follow-up period, with a 45.5% mean reduction of warts compared to baseline, and 40% of subjects showing complete clearance at Day 147. Due to the higher complete clearance rates observed in Cohort 2, Verrica intends to use the treatment regimen of Cohort 2 in future Phase 3 studies. In the COVE-1 study, VP-102 showed a favorable tolerability and acceptable safety profile. The most common adverse events were mild to moderate in severity, and included application site blistering, pain, pruritus, erythema, and scab, and were considered related to the pharmacodynamic action of cantharidin.

06:53 EDT Schlumberger says recorded $12.7B pre-tax charge over impairment in Q3

06:46 EDT Merck receives positive EU CHMP opinion for V920 Ebola Zaire vaccine - Merck announced that the Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use of the European Medicines Agency has adopted a positive opinion recommending a conditional marketing authorization for V920 Ebola Zaire vaccine. If affirmed by the European Commission, the vaccine will be authorized under the brand name ERVEBO and indicated for active immunization of individuals 18 years of age or older to protect against Ebola Virus Disease caused by Zaire Ebola virus. The use of ERVEBO should be in accordance with official recommendations. The CHMP's recommendation, completed under accelerated assessment, will now be considered by the European Commission. If the European Commission affirms the CHMP opinion, it will grant a centralized marketing authorization with unified labeling that is valid in the 28 countries that are members of the European Union, as well as European Economic Area members, Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway. ERVEBO is currently under review in the United States.

06:33 EDT Citizens Financial reports Q3 ROTCE 12.4%, underlying ROTCE of 12.6% - ROTCE was 12.4%; Underlying ROTCE of 12.6% compares with 12.9% in second quarter. Underlying results reflect an approximate 25 basis point drag from higher equity value, given the impact of lower long-term rates on securities valuations.

06:29 EDT Citizens Financial declares quarterly dividend of 36c per share - The dividend is payable on November 13 to stockholders of record at the close of business on October 30. The quarterly common dividend is up 33% year over year.

06:27 EDT Citizens Financial reports Q3 net interest margin 3.12% - Net interest margin of 3.12% decreased 9 basis points as a reduction in interest-earning asset yields including the impact from higher securities premium amortization, was only partially offset by the benefit of lower funding costs, given lower short-term rates. Interest-bearing deposit costs decreased 6 basis points, reflecting strong pricing discipline.

06:02 EDT DTE Midstream acquires midstream assets for $2.25B in cash - DTE Midstream, a non-utility business of DTE Energy, announced it entered into an agreement to acquire a gathering system and gathering pipeline in the Haynesville shale formation of Louisiana for a purchase price of $2.25B in cash, plus a $400M milestone payment upon completion of the gathering pipeline in the second half of 2020. Under the terms of the agreement, DTE will acquire 100 percent of the assets from Momentum Midstream and Indigo Natural Resources, the primary gas producer supplying the system. Assets that are part of the acquisition include an existing gathering system and a 150-mile gathering pipeline under construction, which will be in service in the second half of 2020. The primary assets gather natural gas produced in the Haynesville shale basin and access multiple major downstream pipelines, including those serving the Gulf Coast.

05:16 EDT Marriott to acquire Elegant Hotels Group for 110 pence per share, cash - Marriott announced the company has reached an agreement with the board of Elegant Hotels Group on the terms of a recommended all cash offer for Elegant. Under the terms of the offer, each Elegant shareholder would be entitled to receive 110 pence per Elegant share. The offer values the entire issued and to be issued ordinary share capital of Elegant at approximately GBP 100.8M. The offer price implies an enterprise value for Elegant of approximately $199M based on Elegant's total net debt of $68.9M as at March 31 as set out in Elegant's most recent half year report for the six months ended March 31. Elegant owns and operates seven hotels with 588 rooms and a beachfront restaurant on the island of Barbados. Six of the seven properties are situated along the prestigious west coast of Barbados commonly known as the "Platinum Coast." The majority of Elegant properties are operated as all-inclusive resorts. Completion of the transaction is subject to satisfaction or waiver of the offer conditions set out in the offer announcement, including approval by Elegant shareholders.

05:09 EDT TechnipFMC awarded 'significant' iEPCI contract by Woodside in Australia - TechnipFMC has been awarded a significant integrated Engineering, Procurement, Construction and Installation, or iEPCI, contract by Woodside for the development of the Pyxis and Xena fields, located offshore North West Australia. TechnipFMC will design, manufacture, deliver and install subsea equipment including subsea production system, flexible flowlines and umbilicals. This contract is the first call-off under the recently executed five-year EPCI Frame Agreement between TechnipFMC and Woodside. The Frame Agreement allows collaborative development of projects for Woodside through early engagement and utilization of TechnipFMC integrated execution solutions. For TechnipFMC, a "significant" contract is between $75 million and $250 million.