Stockwinners Market Radar for November 15, 2019 - Earnings, Upgrades downgrades, option trades, Best Stock Advisory Service

18:41 EST Covetrus CEO: We're a leader in the humanization of pets - In an interview on CNBC's Mad Money, Covetrus CEO Ben Wolin said: We have over 100,000 customers in a massive, growing market... We are uniquely positioned... We are making progress in fixing our mistakes... We had far too many initiatives... We need to slow down to speed up... Recent quarterly charges have nothing to do with the potential for this company.

17:48 EST Cushman & Wakefield CEO sells 84.6K share of common stock - In a regulatory filing, Cushman & Wakefield disclosed that its CEO Brett White sold 84.6K shares of common stock on November 14th. The total transaction size was $1.54M.

17:38 EST Escalade CEO Fetherman to retire - Escalade announced that David Fetherman has informed the Escalade Board of Directors of his intent to retire from his position as the company's president and CEO. Pending the hiring of his replacement, Mr. Fetherman has agreed to continue to serve as President and CEO through this transition period. In addition, it is anticipated that Mr. Fetherman will continue to serve on Escalade's Board of Directors until his successor takes office.

17:11 EST Fabrinet President Gill sells 12.9K shares of common stock - In a regulatory filing, Fabrinet disclosed that its President Harpal Gill sold 12.9K shares of common stock on November 15th. The total transaction size was $784K.

17:00 EST Hexo was cannabis was being grown in unlicensed space at Niagara site - HEXO Corp provided additional information about licensing at its facility in Niagara, Ontario. In November 2018, prior to HEXO Corp's acquisition of Newstrike Brands Ltd., the UP Cannabis cultivation facility in Niagara was licenced by Health Canada and production from that facility began shortly after. Block B - the space in question - was included in the licence application. In October 2018, Health Canada requested additional information for the application, pertaining specifically to the building where Block B is housed. When the licence was received, the team was under the impression that Block B was included in the licence. In February 2019, Health Canada conducted an inspection of the facility, which included Block B and no observations were made about cultivation in this space. This further reinforced the assumption that it was indeed a licensed growing space. On July 30, 2019, shortly after the Newstrike Brand Ltd. acquisition closed, HEXO discovered that cannabis was being grown in Block B, which was not adequately licensed. HEXO management immediately ceased cultivation and production activities in the unlicensed space. The Company notified Health Canada instantly, and the regulator was satisfied with HEXO management's corrective actions. The Company is confident that all product cultivated and produced in all its facilities is grown according to the highest quality standards and following all standard operating procedures. As an additional quality assurance measure, HEXO's Chief Operating Officer personally inspected and certified any shipments for sale from that facility. All of the inventory on site at that time was held from shipping and scheduled for destruction. Today, the facility is no longer operational.

16:47 EST BBRC Asset Management reports 6.6% passive stake in Rave Restaurant - BBRC Asset Management disclosed a 6.6% stake in Rave Restaurant, which represents over 995K shares. The filing does not allow for activism.

16:41 EST New York Times CEO sells 66,000 class A common shares - In a regulatory filing, New York Times president and CEO Mark Thompson disclosed the sale of 66,000 class A common shares of the company at a price of $30.887 per share on November 13.

16:39 EST Cleveland BioLabs CEO resigns effective December 13th - In a regulatory 8-K filing, Yakov Kogan tendered his resignation as CEO of Cleveland BioLabs to be effective as of the end of December 13, 2019. In his role as CEO, Dr. Kogan has also been serving as the company's principal financial officer. In connection with Dr. Kogan's resignation, the company's board of directors intends to commence a search for a replacement CEO.

16:36 EST First Industrial Realty director sells 12K shares of common stock - In a regulatory filing, First Industrial Realty disclosed that its EVP Peter Schultz sold 12K shares of common stock on November 14th. The total transaction size was $504K.

16:23 EST Greenlane CEO buys 56.4K shares of common stock - In a regulatory filing, Greenlane disclosed that its CEO Aaron LoCascio bought 56.4K shares of common stock on November 13th-14th. The total transaction size was $185K.

16:06 EST Agios Pharmaceuticals CEO acquires 40,322 common shares - In a regulatory filing, Agios Pharmaceuticals CEO Jacqualyn A. Fouse disclosed the acquisition of 40,322 common shares of the company at a price of $31 on November 13.

16:02 EST Becton Dickinson urges stockholders to reject mini-tender offer by TRC Capital - Becton Dickinson announced that it has been notified of an unsolicited mini-tender offer by TRC Capital Investment Corporation to purchase up to 500,000 shares of BDX common stock at a price of $234.00 per share in cash. TRC's offer price is approximately 4.41 percent below BDX's closing price on November 8, 2019, the last closing price prior to the commencement of the offer. BD said it is not affiliated with TRC and does not endorse TRC's unsolicited offer. BD recommends that shareholders not tender their shares in response to TRC's unsolicited offer because the offer is at a price below the current market price for BD shares and is subject to numerous conditions.

15:59 EST Roper Technologies CFO sells 4,000 common shares - In a regulatory filing, Roper Technologies executive VP and CFO Robert Crisci disclosed the sale of 4,000 common shares of the company at a price of $350.6081 per share on November 14.

15:38 EST Qiagen trading resumes

15:24 EST Qiagen exploring alternatives after receiving 'several' indications of interest - Qiagen (QGEN) announced that after receiving "several conditional, non-binding indications of interest," the company has decided to enter into discussions to explore potential strategic alternatives. Bloomberg reported on Wednesday that Thermo Fisher (TMO) has approached Qiagen about a potential deal. Qiagen halted for news up 12c to $37.39.

15:18 EST Thermo Fisher up 2% to $306.50 after Qiagen halts for news pending

15:17 EST Qiagen trading halted, news pending

14:43 EST Novartis receives FDA approval for BLA for Adakveo injection - The FDA has approved Novartis' Adakveo as a treatment to reduce the frequency of vasoocclusive crises in adults and pediatric patients aged 16 years and older with sickle cell disease, according to a post the agency's website. Reference Link

14:20 EST Supreme Court to consider Google appeal of Oracle copyright case - The U.S. Supreme Court today agreed to hear Alphabet's (GOOG, GOOGL) appeal of Oracle's (ORCL) copyright lawsuit. A jury cleared Google in 2016, but the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit in Washington overturned that decision in 2018, finding that Google's inclusion of Oracle's software code in Android did not constitute a fair use under U.S. copyright law, according to Bloomberg. Oracle has sought at least $8B in damages.

13:19 EST Trump Administration announces 'historic' healthcare price transparency rules - The Department of Health and Human Services is announcing that the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services is issuing two rules that take "historic steps to increase price transparency to empower patients and increase competition among all hospitals, group health plans and health insurance issuers in the individual and group markets." One of the rules is the Calendar Year 2020 Outpatient Prospective Payment System & Ambulatory Surgical Center Price Transparency Requirements for Hospitals to Make Standard Charges Public Final Rule. The second rule is the Transparency in Coverage Proposed Rule. Both the final and proposed rules require that pricing information be made publicly available. If finalized, the proposed Transparency in Coverage rule would require health plans to: Give consumers real-time, personalized access to cost-sharing information, including an estimate of their cost-sharing liability for all covered healthcare items and services, through an online tool that most group health plans and health insurance issuers would be required to make available to all of their members, and in paper form, at the consumer's request. This requirement would empower consumers to shop and compare costs between specific providers before receiving care; and disclose on a public website their negotiated rates for in-network providers and allowed amounts paid for out-of-network providers. Making this information available to the public is intended to drive innovation, support informed, price-conscious decision-making, and promote competition in the healthcare industry. Making this information public directly helps the consumer, but, more importantly, creates new opportunities for researchers, employers and other developers to build new tools to help consumers. "President Trump has promised American patients 'A+' healthcare transparency, but right now our system probably deserves an F on transparency. President Trump is going to change that, with what will be revolutionary changes for our healthcare system. Today's transparency announcement may be a more significant change to American healthcare markets than any other single thing we've done, by shining light on the costs of our shadowy system and finally putting the American patient in control," said HHS Secretary Alex Azar. Publicly traded large-cap drugmakers include AstraZeneca (AZN), Bristol-Myers (BMY), Eli Lilly (LLY), GlaxoSmithKline (GSK), Johnson & Johnson (JNJ), Merck (MRK), Novartis (NVS), Pfizer (PFE), Roche (RHHBY) and Sanofi (SNY). Publicly traded health insurers include Anthem (ANTM), CVS Health's Aetna (CVS), Centene (CNC), Cigna (CI), Health Net (HNT), Humana (HUM), Molina Healthcare (MOH), UnitedHealth (UNH) and WellCare (WCG). Reference Link

12:52 EST Roche to acquire Promedior in up to $1.4B deal - Earlier, Promedior announced that it has entered into a definitive merger agreement for Roche to acquire Promedior. With this acquisition, Roche will obtain full rights to Promedior's entire portfolio of molecules for serious fibrotic diseases, notably PRM-151. Promedior, a privately held clinical-stage biotechnology company based in Lexington, Massachusetts, has successfully advanced PRM-151 in human clinical trials and received Breakthrough Therapy Designation from the FDA earlier this year for idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. PRM-151, a recombinant form of human pentraxin-2 protein, has demonstrated both prevention and reversal of fibrosis and opens up new opportunities to treat a wide range of systemic fibrotic diseases. Phase 2 trial results demonstrated that PRM-151 is the first molecule to show significant lung function improvements on top of current therapies in IPF. PRM-151 has also shown promising early clinical trial data in myelofibrosis and its anti-fibrotic mechanism has therapeutic potential in other fibrotic diseases. Under the terms of the merger agreement, Roche will make an upfront cash payment of $390M, plus additional contingent payments of up to $1B based on the achievement of certain predetermined development, regulatory and commercial milestones. The closing of the transaction is subject to the expiration or termination of the waiting period under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act of 1976 and other customary conditions.

12:41 EST United Airlines pulls 737 Max jets off schedule until March 4 - United Airlines (UAL) is pulling Boeing (BA) 737 Max jets off its schedule until March 4, the company said in a statement. United expects to cancel approximately 5,100 flights in November and December and roughly 3,468 flights in 2020. "For more than 90 years, the safety of our customers and employees at United has come first, which is why we have cooperated fully with the FAA's independent review of the MAX aircraft, and we won't put our customers and employees on that plane until regulators make their own independent assessment that it is safe to do so," United said.

12:17 EST First Choice Bancorp announces resignation of CFO Lynn Hopkins - First Choice Bancorp announced that Lynn Hopkins, CFO, has resigned from the Company and First Choice Bank in order to accept a position with another financial institution based in California. The company also announced that Diana Hanson, chief accounting officer, has been promoted to CFO, and will lead the Company's finance department on an interim basis while First Choice conducts an executive search for Hopkins' replacement.

12:10 EST Amgen treatment of multiple myeloma granted FDA orphan designation - Amgen's treatment of multiple myeloma was granted FDA orphan designation, according to a post to the agency's website. Reference Link

12:00 EST Enova International falls -8.0% - Enova International is down -8.0%, or -$1.93 to $22.14.

12:00 EST Contura Energy falls -9.5% - Contura Energy is down -9.5%, or -89c to $8.49.

12:00 EST Intelsat rises 22.5% - Intelsat is up 22.5%, or $2.73 to $14.86.

11:44 EST Intelsat surges after C-Band Alliance files U.S. Treasury contribution proposal - The C-Band Alliance, comprised of satellite operators Intelsat (I), SES and Telesat, announced earlier that they have filed with the Federal Communications Commission today their Treasury Contribution Proposal. "The contribution proposal states that if the FCC adopts the CBA proposal, the CBA commits to pay a portion of net proceeds of a CBA-led auction to the U.S. Treasury using a progressive formula which ranges from 30% to 75% of proceeds depending on the outcome of the auction. This payment to the U.S. Treasury would be calculated after the netting of all costs incurred to plan for and take all actions to implement the CBA proposal to clear 300 MHz of spectrum and is inclusive of all federal income tax liabilities incurred by the CBA member companies as a direct result of the auction. Further, in order to ensure that all Americans receive the benefits of 5G, the CBA has initiated discussions with members of Congress to develop a proposal to fund the deployment of an open access 5G network for rural broadband, which may include a combination of spectrum and capital contributions. The CBA market-based proposal has been endorsed by C-band users, potential spectrum bidders, economists, thought leaders and consumer organizations. No other proposal features the ability, experience and technical capacity to ensure a smooth and swift transition of the spectrum. Spectrum cleared with speed and accountability is essential to enabling the era of 5G, which is expected to result in GDP growth and job creation in the United States," the Alliance stated in a press release. In late morning trading, Intelsat shares are up $2.73, or 22.5%, to $14.86.

11:14 EST Momenta confirms first patient in the Unity study has delivered a full-term baby - In a regulatory filing earlier, Momenta Pharmaceuticals confirmed the first patient in the Unity study, the company's Phase 2 clinical trial of nipocalimab in hemolytic disease of the fetus and newborn, or HDFN, has delivered a full-term baby. "The company does not intend to disclose any additional information about the patient or her baby. The company continues to enroll the trial and plans to report topline data in 2021," Momenta stated.

10:46 EST Under Armour says 'always in compliance' with GAAP amid scrtutiny - Under Armour said earlier in a statement, "We are aware of recent media coverage concerning Under Armour's business practices. As we have stated previously, we firmly believe that our disclosures and our accounting practices have been entirely appropriate. Our management and board of directors have reviewed this matter extensively over the past two and a half years and stand by the Company's financial reporting. Because the investigation is ongoing, we are constrained in our response and cannot address every allegation raised in the media or by anonymous sources cited in the news. When Under Armour speaks, we always communicate our best understanding as to the market and the Company's prospects. For many years, quarterly shifts in wholesale revenue related to timing of shipments based on financial goals; customer requests; year-to-year seasonal variance; different fiscal calendar alignments; product availability; logistics; and numerous other dynamics have been, and continue to be, part of the normal course of business practices in the apparel, footwear and retail sector. In this respect, our process for recognizing revenue and recording returns and other allowances has not changed and has always been in compliance with generally accepted accounting principles. Indeed, as reported by certain media outlets, analysts and accounting experts agree that such end-of-quarter practices are generally permitted under accounting rules. Under Armour has become one of the world's largest athletic performance brands through industry-defining innovation, ambitious and driven leadership, and a culture that holds itself to the highest standards of integrity including operating within standard industry business practices and always in compliance with generally accepted accounting principles." Shares of Under Armour are up 44c to $17.57 in morning trading. Reference Link

10:00 EST Line Corp. falls -8.2% - Line Corp. is down -8.2%, or -$4.13 to $46.50.

10:00 EST Banco de Chile rises 11.5% - Banco de Chile is up 11.5%, or $2.47 to $23.87.

10:00 EST Farfetch rises 31.1% - Farfetch is up 31.1%, or $2.33 to $9.81.

09:47 EST Banco de Chile rises 10.4% - Banco de Chile is up 10.4%, or $2.23 to $23.63.

09:47 EST Farfetch rises 33.2% - Farfetch is up 33.2%, or $2.48 to $9.96.

09:28 EST Bank of America reports October card write-offs 2.39% vs. 2.62% last month - Reports October 30-plus day delinquencies 1.62% vs. 1.59% last month.

09:16 EST Pope Resources announces suspension of distribution reinvestment plan - Pope Resources announced that it has suspended its distribution reinvestment plan until further notice. Computershare Trust Company, N.A., administers the DRP. Unitholders are not required to take any action, but they may contact the Administrator should they wish to make any changes to their account. Pope Resources can offer no assurances as to whether or when the DRP will be reactivated.

09:06 EST Dick's Sporting names Anne Fink to Board of Directors - Dick's Sporting (DKS) announced that Anne Fink, President, Global Foodservice for PepsiCo (PEP), has been named to its Board of Directors. Fink leads sales, marketing, strategy and operations for PepsiCo's North American and Global Foodservice business, which include restaurants, hotels, business & industry, colleges & universities, and sports & entertainment channels. She previously served as the COO for PepsiCo North America Foodservice and prior to that as Senior Vice President and Chief Customer Officer for PepsiCo Sales.

09:05 EST Volkswagen names Markus Duesmann as Audi chairman, effective April 1, 2020 - At its meeting on Friday, Volkswagen Aktiengesellschaft's (VWAGY) Supervisory Board resolved to appoint Markus Duesmann as new member of the Group Board of Management. Markus Duesmann's appointment as member of the Group Board of Management and Chairman of the Board of Management of AUDI AG (AUDVF) will take effect on April 1, 2020. Bram Schot will leave the company by amicable mutual agreement on March 31 next year. "Bram Schot took over the management of AUDI AG at a difficult time, very successfully managed the business and initiated important changes. For this he has our sincere thanks. As an excellent engineer, Markus Duesmann will do everything in his power to leverage the full potential of the Audi brand and as such will once more demonstrate our commitment to the promise 'Vorsprung durch Technik'", said the Chairman of the Board of Management Dr. Herbert Diess. Duesmann previously held several managerial positions at BMW AG (BMWYY) and until July 2018 was the Board of Management member with responsibility for purchasing and the supplier network. Reference Link

09:03 EST First Choice Bank boosts quarterly dividend 25% to 25c per share - First Choice Bancorp, the holding company of First Choice Bank, announced that its Board of Directors declared a 25c per share cash dividend at its regular meeting held on November 14. This is an increase of 25% compared to the 20c cash dividend declared in each of the immediately preceding quarters of 2019. The dividend will be payable on or about December 13 to holders of the Company's common stock of record as of the close of business on November 29.

09:02 EST Amgen, DCRI to launch study of PCSK9 inhibitors - Amgen, in collaboration with the Duke Clinical Research Institute, announced plans to initiate the Cardiovascular Multi-dimensional Observational Investigation of the Use of PCSK9 inhibitors study-the first large-scale real-world study to assess lipid management and the impact of PCSK9 inhibitors on cardiovascular outcomes in clinical practice. While there is strong evidence demonstrating the efficacy of PCSK9 inhibitors from various randomized clinical trial studies, there is less information on the effectiveness of these medicines on cardiovascular outcomes in real-world practice. The cvMOBIUS study will be conducted across the U.S. and Canada and will begin patient enrollment this month. A prospective observational registry of 8,500 adults eligible for treatment with a PCSK9 inhibitor will be followed for five years. In parallel, an electronic health record-based registry will follow a broader population of adults hospitalized with atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease at participating sites.

09:01 EST OrthoPediatrics announces U.S. launch of PediFoot Deformity Correction System - OrthoPediatrics announced the domestic launch of the PediFoot Deformity Correction System, following 510(k) clearance by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in August. The PediFoot system is the first pediatric-specific system to treat deformities of the foot. Within the OrthoPediatrics product portfolio, this system offers the smallest plates and screws, which enable greater effectiveness in addressing cavus foot, flatfoot, clubfoot, and hallux valgus foot deformities. More specifically, the sophisticated system is designed to focus on lateral column lengthening, calcaneal slide osteotomies, opening and closing wedge osteotomies, and arthrodesis procedures. To optimize fixation in these procedures, PediFoot is the first OrthoPediatrics system to offer StarLoc, a variable angle locking screw technology. In addition, patients will benefit from the innovative instrumentation which flexibly follows the anatomic movement of the bones during the correction process. The system also includes PediPedal, a combination of non-slip platforms and handle that assist the surgeon in taking repeatable, simulated weight bearing x-rays intraoperatively during surgery.

08:52 EST Sequential Brands, Jessica Simpson announce partnership with Centric Brands - Sequential Brands Group (SQBG), along with Jessica Simpson, announced a new, multi-year licensing agreement with Centric Brands (CTRC) to develop, manufacture and distribute the entertainer and entrepreneur's handbag and jewelry collections. Handbags launch spring 2020 and will retail between $78-$118. Fashion jewelry will retail between $18-$58 and debut in April. Both will be available on the newly launched direct-to-consumer site, www.jessicasimpson.com, and department stores that carry the Jessica Simpson Collection.

08:45 EST Booz Allen partners with Army on up to $152M outreach project - The U.S. Army is partnering with Booz Allen to build a new enterprise technology platform, the Accessions Information Environment, or AIE. This project, valued at up to $152M over three years will appeal to a new generation of soldiers through social media and community outreach.

08:35 EST Sutter Rock Capital provides additional clarity on dividend distribution - Sutter Rock Capital defined the character of the dividend declared on November 5. On November 5, Sutter Rock's Board of Directors declared a 20c per share cash dividend, payable on December 12 to the Company's common stockholders of record as of the close of business on December 2. The ex-dividend date is November 29. As part of the November 6 earnings announcement, Sutter Rock also disclosed that it anticipated declaring an additional dividend by year end. Sutter Rock's 20c per share dividend and the anticipated additional dividend are expected to be reported as capital gains dividends and treated as long-term capital gains by stockholders. Sutter Rock does not anticipate having any investment company taxable income for the current year; therefore, the Company does not expect any portion of the current year dividends to be ordinary dividends. Given ongoing M&A activity in Sutter Rock's investment portfolio and the potential outcome of the Company's outstanding modified "Dutch Auction" tender offer, the Company is providing an updated range for the additional dividend. Sutter Rock estimates the additional dividend to range between $0.05 and $0.50 per share. The Company expects to declare the additional dividend no later than December 19, 2019 with payment in January 2020.

08:32 EST Anchiano discontinues Phase 2 Codex study of inodiftagene vixteplasmid - Anchiano Therapeutics announced the discontinuation of its Phase 2 Codex study evaluating the gene therapy inodiftagene vixteplasmid in patients with BCG-unresponsive non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer. After a thorough analysis of the data, Anchiano determined that there is a low probability of surpassing the pre-defined futility threshold at the planned interim analysis, which required 10 complete responses in 35 patients. The data also indicate a low probability of achieving an efficacy profile that in the company's estimation would be necessary to support regulatory approval. As of November 14, 2019, 16 patients were evaluable after the first disease assessment on treatment; of these, three have experienced a complete response. The safety data on the investigational product were consistent with those observed in prior trials. Anchiano has taken steps to notify study investigators that enrollment and further treatment of patients on trial should stop immediately and will work to close the study in the coming weeks. The Company will devote its full resources to its small-molecule pan-RAS inhibitor and PDE10/beta-catenin inhibitor programs. Anchiano recently acquired the option to exclusively license these programs from ADT Pharmaceuticals. The Company believes that the promise and value of these programs provide the greatest potential benefit for patients, and for shareholders, moving forward. The initial focus will be on accelerating the efforts to move the pan-RAS inhibitors toward the clinic. Oncogenic mutations in the RAS family of genes are present in approximately 30% of all cancers. The Company believes that successful development of its pan-RAS-targeted therapy, with activity regardless of RAS isoform or mutation, has the potential for significant clinical impact across a variety of tumor types including lung, colorectal, pancreatic, melanoma and bladder cancer, and represents a substantial commercial opportunity. On September 30, 2019, the Company had total cash and cash equivalents of approximately $23.2 million, compared to approximately $7.5 million on December 31, 2018. Financial resources are expected to suffice until the fourth quarter of 2020.

08:15 EST H2O Innovation completes acquisition of Genesys - H2O Innovation reported the completion of the previously announced acquisition, on October 28, 2019, of Genesys Holdings Limited, Genesys Manufacturing Limited, Genesys International Limited and Genesys North America, LLC, a UK privately-owned group of companies specializing in the development and manufacturing of specialty chemicals dedicated to water treatment, at a purchase price of GBP16.95M. Genesys develops, manufactures and distributes speciality reverse osmosis membrane chemicals, antiscalants, cleaners, flocculants and biocides, and offers, through a large distribution network of 70 distributors, a portfolio of over 35 diversified products with unique formulation that are manufactured in its facility located in Cheshire, UK. In addition, Genesys also offers complete laboratory services such as feed water and pre-treatment tests, membrane autopsies and cleaning program design. This transaction will help strengthen H2O Innovation's specialty chemicals business line in many ways. First, it will enable the Corporation to build a strong portfolio of products by combining the strengths of both the phosphonate technology and dendrimer chemistry. This extended and diversified product offering should enable H2O Innovation to cover a wider range of applications related to membrane filtration, and thus, improve its specialty chemicals' sales. Furthermore, the combination of Genesys and PWT sales distribution networks will allow to build one of the largest distribution platforms for specialty chemicals, including 100 distributors active in more than 70 countries. Finally, since PWT is already manufacturing its products in California while Genesys is blending theirs in Cheshire, the merger of the two companies will allow the Corporation to optimize its manufacturing strategy in order to lower freight costs for our customers and reduce delivery time. The purchase price was established at GBP16.95M on a cash-free, debt-free basis fully payable at closing of the acquisition. Genesys' acquisition has been financed through committed credit facility as well as proceeds from an equity offering for gross proceeds of $22M, including an overnight marketed public offering of subscription receipts for anticipated gross proceeds of $14M as well as a concurrent brokered private placement of subscription receipts with BDC Capital Inc., Caisse de depot et placement du Quebec and Investissement Quebec for aggregate proceeds of $8M. The acquisition will also be financed by such amount needed to be drawn on the term loan made available in an amount of $12M.

08:10 EST Sanuwave 'on track' to reach 110 dermaPACE systems in the U.S. by year end - The company said it "Placed 58 dermaPACE Systems in the United States in total by the end of the third quarter and have achieved 70 placed by the end of October. On track to reach 85 by end of November and 110 by year end. We plan to place at least 300 in 2020."

08:07 EST Lineage Cell Therapeutics provides update on OPC1 - Lineage Cell Therapeutics provided an update on OPC1, the company's oligodendrocyte progenitor cell, or OPC, therapy currently being tested in a Phase I/IIa clinical trial, the SCiStar Study, for the treatment of acute spinal cord injury, or SCI. Lineage reported results from the ongoing SCiStar study of OPC1, where the overall safety profile of OPC1 has remained "excellent with robust motor recovery" in upper extremities maintained through Year 2 patient follow-ups available to date. Additionally, OPC1 manufacturing has been completely transferred to the company's cGMP manufacturing facility in Israel and manufacturing process improvements are planned to continue throughout 2020. Moreover, Lineage intends to meet with the FDA to discuss further development of the OPC1 program around the middle of 2020. Overall safety profile of OPC1 to date is excellent for Year 2 follow-ups available to date. Magnetic resonance imaging, or MRI, scans at 24 months post-injection of OPC1 have shown no evidence of adverse changes in any of the 21 SCiStar study patients treated with OPC1 who have had their Year 2 follow-up visits. To date, there have been no unexpected serious adverse events, or SAEs, related to the OPC1 cells in these patients, with no concerning safety issues noted. No SCiStar patient had a decline in their motor function from their Year 1 to Year 2 visits. No adverse findings were observed on follow-up MRI scans. OPC1 manufacturing has now completely been transferred to the company's cGMP manufacturing facility in Israel. Continued improvements to the manufacturing process are planned during 2020 and include enhancements to the production process to ensure robust, controlled and commercially viable scale, purity, and reproducibility of OPC1. A meeting with the FDA is planned around the middle of 2020 to discuss the company's proposed manufacturing improvements and the further development of OPC1 to best set the program up for success moving forward. Concurrently, Lineage will work to expand its partnerships with spinal cord injury advocacy and support organizations to support their mission to accelerate stem cell treatments to patients with unmet medical needs and fast-track the development of the most promising stem cell technologies.

08:05 EST Valley National, Oritani Financial shareholders vote in favor of merger - Valley National Bancorp (VLY) announced that shareholders of both Valley and Oritani Financial (ORIT) voted in favor of the merger at their respective shareholder meetings. Valley now has received the necessary shareholder and regulatory approvals to complete the previously announced merger with Oritani . Shareholders of Oritani will receive 1.60 shares of Valley common stock for each Oritani share they own pursuant to the terms of the Merger when it closes. The Merger is expected to be effective on December 1, subject to remaining closing conditions. As of September 30, Oritani had approximately $4B in assets, $3.4B in net loans, and $2.9B in deposits. Oritani maintains a branch network of 26 offices in New Jersey. The Merger represents a significant addition to Valley's New Jersey franchise, and will meaningfully enhance its presence in the densely populated and affluent Bergen County market. The Merger will also bolster capital, providing greater balance sheet optionality and the acceleration of previously disclosed strategic initiatives.

08:03 EST Masco signs agreement to sell Masco Cabinetry for about $1B - Masco has entered into a definitive agreement to sell Masco Cabinetry to ACProducts, a manufacturer of cabinetry products owned by American Industrial Partners, for $1B, consisting of $850M in cash at closing and preferred stock issued by a holding company of the buyer with a liquidation preference of $150M. The preferred stock will have a coupon of 8 percent, increasing to 10 percent in the third year. The agreement contains customary representations, warranties, and covenants. The closing of the sale is expected to occur during the first quarter of 2020, subject to customary closing conditions and regulatory review.

07:46 EST Ebix says offer accepted by Committee of Creditors for Trimax IT assets - Ebix announced that its Indian subsidiary has been declared as the successful bidder and issued a letter of intent by the committee of Banks and financial institutions, for the purchase of IT assets of Mumbai-based Trimax IT Infrastructure and services Ltd. The purchase is on a 100% debt free basis. Once the closing is accomplished, all the Trimax assets will become a part of EbixCash's Bus Exchange and Financial Technologies business in India. Ebix expects the Trimax asset purchase to deliver approximately $30M in revenues in the year 2020 with operating income of approximately $10M in the year. Trimax is India's dominant leader in the area of Bus Exchanges handling $1.7B of annual transactions, across 30% of India's bus ticketing system network with 10+ large state-owned public transport corporations as clients. Trimax also is one of the leading players in the Financial Services hosting arena, while managing hosting functions for 25% of the public sector banks in India. The Ebix offer accepted by the Committee of Creditors for Trimax, has an upfront cash offer of approximately $10M for 100% common stock of the company, with the Banks holding 15% preferred shares in the the Trimax Division for a minimum period of 3 years, with Ebix having the right to purchase those 15% preferred shares at its discretion based on the prevailing market value of those shares. Ebix expects the transaction to close over the next 45 days, which would involve approval of the recommended plan of the committee of Creditors by the National Company Law Tribunal.

07:41 EST Auxly Cannabis announces launch of Robinsons Outdoor Grow cultivation project - Auxly Cannabis Group, together with its wholly owned subsidiary Robinsons Cannabis announced, Robinsons Outdoor Grow, a large scale outdoor cultivation project located in the heart of Nova Scotia's wine region of Annapolis Valley. Located within 25 kilometers of Robinsons' 27,700 square foot indoor facility, Robinsons OG is comprised of over 158 acres of land in Hortonville, Nova Scotia and offers road frontage and highway access, allowing for the potential future development of tourism and point of sale opportunities. Robinsons OG will use a range of proprietary genetics with a track record of success in this climate and apply several outdoor growing techniques commonly used in the fruit crop production and wine industries. The Robinsons OG project is of significant strategic value to Auxly, as it provides access to high-quality, sun grown cannabis flower for environmentally conscious consumers and a large amount of organic biomass at lower capital and operational costs and a lower carbon footprint relative to conventional indoor or greenhouse cultivation. The long-term, stable supply of outdoor cannabis produced on site at Robinsons OG will help support the product development initiatives at Dosecann Inc., the Company's wholly owned 52,000 square foot facility located in nearby Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island. A substantial portion of the cannabis produced at Robinsons OG will be used to create premium, terroir-driven Robinsons-branded derivative cannabis products, with the same commitment to quality and craftsmanship as Robinsons' dried flower. Robinsons OG expects to submit its application and evidence of readiness to obtain a cultivation licence under the Cannabis Act from Health Canada in Q1 2020. The Company expects the capital expenditure for the buildout of Robinsons OG to be up to approximately $15M, with expected yield of approximately 200 kilograms per acre. Robinsons OG expects to plant approximately 20 acres in the 2020 season and responsibly scale operations in the following years.

07:38 EST Synchrony reports October net charge-off rate 3.54% vs. 3.84% last month - Reports October 30-plus day delinquencies 2.75% vs. 2.77% last month.

07:37 EST Capital One reports October net charge-offs 3.95% vs. 4.25% last year - Reports 30-plus day performing delinquencies 3.79% vs. 3.99% last year.

07:35 EST Celgene receives positive CHMP opinion for REVLIMID - Celgene announced that the European Medicines Agency's, or EMA, Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use, or CHMP, has adopted a positive opinion, recommending the approval of REVLIMID in combination with rituximab for the treatment of adult patients with previously treated follicular lymphoma, or FL. If approved by the European Commission, or EC, R2 will be the first combination treatment regimen for patients with FL that does not include chemotherapy. "Since its initial approval in 2007, REVLIMID has continued to demonstrate its benefits across a range of serious blood disorders in Europe and a CHMP positive opinion for this combination with rituximab is very good news for patients with follicular lymphoma. We look forward to the European Commission decision," said Tuomo Patsi, President of Hematology/Oncology for Celgene Worldwide Markets.

07:33 EST J.C. Penney expects FY19 adjusted EBITDA to exceed $475M - In addition, the Company has also reaffirmed its prior financial guidance for full year fiscal 2019 as follows: Comparable store sales: expected to be in a range of (7.0) % to (8.0) %; Adjusted comparable store sales, which excludes the impact of the Company's exit from major appliances and in-store furniture categories: expected to be in a range of (5.0) % to (6.0) %; Cost of goods sold, as a rate of net sales: expected to decrease 150 to 200 basis points compared to last year; and Free Cash Flow expected to be positive.

07:32 EST J.C. Penney reports Q3 SSS down 9.3% - Adjusted comparable store sales decreased 6.6 %

07:31 EST resTORbio trading resumes

07:10 EST Noble Energy sells onshore assets to Noble Midstream for $1.6B in cash, stock - Noble Energy (NBL) announced the conclusion of its midstream strategic review, having elected to retain and increase its ownership in Noble Midstream (NBLX). The review was concluded with the sale of essentially all of the company's remaining U.S. onshore midstream interests and assets to NBLX and the elimination of the company's incentive distribution rights, or IDRs, for a total value of $1.6B. Noble Energy is receiving $1.6B in consideration from the transaction, including an estimated $670M in cash and 38.5M of newly issued common units of NBLX valued at $930M based upon a 30-day volume weighted average price as of November 6. Following the close of the transaction, Noble Energy will own 56.5M units or approximately 63% of the outstanding units of NBLX. As part of the transaction, the company has divested its remaining midstream gathering interests to NBLX, including the following: A 60% working interest in the Delaware Basin gathering system, which services crude oil, natural gas, and water gathering; A 75% working interest in the Mustang area gathering system, which services crude oil, natural gas, and water gathering, along with freshwater delivery; A 75% working interest in the East Pony area gathering system, which services freshwater delivery and a 100% working interest in the East Pony area natural gas gathering and processing system. NBLX now owns 100% of the interest in the above gathering systems. Noble Energy estimates the earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, depletion and amortization for the assets sold to be approximately $160M for 2020. In addition, the company estimates its IDRs divested would have resulted in total IDR distribution to Noble Energy in 2020 of approximately $40M. The company will have a 180-day lock up period applicable to its common units in NBLX following the closing of the transaction. In addition, the company will retain ownership and control of the general partner of NBLX.

07:09 EST Applied Therapeutics presents AT-00 clinical data for DbCM treatment - Applied Therapeutics announced the presentation of data at the American Heart Association, AHA, Scientific Sessions 2019 in Philadelphia on AT-001, a novel, potent and selective aldose reductase inhibitor, ARI, in Phase 3 clinical development for Diabetic Cardiomyopathy, DbCM. "We are pleased to present additional data at AHA supporting our clinical rationale for development of AT-001 in Diabetic Cardiomyopathy, a fast-moving form of heart failure for which no treatments exist," said Riccardo Perfetti, MD, PhD, Chief Medical Officer of Applied Therapeutics. "Reduction in NTproBNP - an important cardiac stress biomarker shown to correlate with long term heart failure outcomes - is a strong preliminary indicator of efficacy in this patient population. Our ongoing Phase 3 study, ARISE-HF, represents an important step forward for patients as the first pivotal study to date in DbCM."

07:05 EST Valeritas announces additional V-Go data from Verdict study - Valeritas Holdings announced additional data from the VERDICT study presented at the 19th Annual Diabetes Technology Meeting held in Bethesda, Maryland. This data demonstrated positive clinical outcomes for patients with type 2 diabetes who switched insulin therapy to V-Go from a basal-only, basal-bolus, or premix insulin regimen.This real-world retrospective analysis was performed using electronic medical records to identify 122 patients with uncontrolled type 2 diabetes who switched to V-Go from traditional insulin injection therapy regimens. The study aimed to evaluate if the baseline insulin total daily dose on the prior regimen influenced the effectiveness of V-Go. Patients were grouped based on their prior regimen TDD into three insulin strata: less than 50 U/day, 50 to 100 U/day, or greater than 100 U/day to evaluate clinical outcomes. After a mean duration of five months of V-Go use, significant mean reductions in A1c of 1.3%; pless than0.05 were observed for each strata. In addition, the strata prescribed higher baseline doses of insulin benefited from a significant reduction in TDD of 19%; pless than0.0001 and 47%; pless than0.0001, respectively, after switching to V-Go. The percent of patients reporting hypoglycemia decreased on V-Go. "Optimizing insulin delivery has been shown to reduce insulin requirements and can have positive implications on patient acceptance and adherence," said Trisha Zeidan, MD, Principal Investigator of the VERDICT Study who is affiliated with Premier Physician Network, Bull Family Diabetes Center. "In my practice, I have been able to successfully switch patients from a variety of insulin regimens and a wide range of insulin doses to V-Go. Not only has V-Go been well accepted by my patients, it has shown to improve glycemic control and, in many cases, lower insulin requirements in those previously prescribed higher doses."

07:01 EST Jazz Pharmaceuticals receives positive CHMP opinion - Jazz Pharmaceuticals announced that the European Medicines Agency's Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use, or CHMP, adopted a positive opinion recommending the marketing authorisation of solriamfetol to improve wakefulness and reduce excessive daytime sleepiness, or EDS, in adults with narcolepsy (with or without cataplexy) or obstructive sleep apnea, or OSA, whose EDS has not been satisfactorily treated by primary OSA therapy, such as continuous positive airway pressure, or CPAP. The Marketing Authorisation Application for solriamfetol is based on data from four randomised placebo-controlled studies included in the Treatment of Obstructive sleep apnea and Narcolepsy Excessive Sleepiness, or TONES, clinical trial program. Data from the studies in the TONES program demonstrated the superiority of solriamfetol relative to placebo. The CHMP recommended that once daily solriamfetol be approved with doses of 75 mg and 150 mg for people with narcolepsy and doses of 37.5 mg, 75 mg and 150 mg for people with OSA.

06:56 EST Roper Technologies raises quarterly dividend 11% to 51.25c per share - Payable on January 23, 2020 to stockholders of record as of January 9, 2020.

06:46 EST Merck: FDA approves BRAVECTO PLUS topical solution for cats - Merck Animal Health, a division of Merck & Co., announced the U.S. approval of BRAVECTO PLUS topical solution for cats by the U.S. FDA. BRAVECTO PLUS is an extended-duration, broad-spectrum combination topical solution for cats, indicated for both external and internal parasite infestations: ticks and fleas, heartworm, intestinal roundworm and hookworm. This unique formula in BRAVECTO PLUS provides extended protection for up to two months with just one application, making it the only product on the market to protect against this combination of parasites at a longer duration. BRAVECTO PLUS is expected to be available in the coming months.

06:34 EST Holly Energy Partners CEO George Damiris to retire, Michael Jennings to succeed - Holly Energy Partners announced that George Damiris notified the Board of Directors of Holly Logistic Services, the ultimate general partner of Holly Energy Partners, that he will retire as CEO, President and Director of HLS on December 31, 2019. Damiris was appointed as the CEO of HLS in November 2016 and as President of HLS in February 2017. In connection with Damiris's retirement, the Board appointed Michael Jennings as CEO of HLS effective January 1, 2020. Jennings serves as Chairman of the Board of HLS, having served as a director of HLS since October 2011. Jennings served as CEO of HLS from January 2014 to November 2016 and as President of HLS from October 2015 to February 2016.

05:20 EST GeoPark announces all-cash acquisition of Amerisur Resources - GeoPark announces the acquisition of Amerisur Resources Plc. The acquisition of Amerisur is in line with GeoPark's strategy of continued expansion, on the way to its long-term production target of 100,000 boepd and beyond. GeoPark will acquire the entire issued and to be issued share capital of Amerisur for a total cash consideration of approximately GBP 242 million, being an offer price of 19.21 pence per share. The Transaction follows from a strategic review including a formal sales process announced by Amerisur on July 19, under the UK Takeover Code. Closing of the Transaction is expected in December 2019 or in January 2020, following approval of Amerisur shareholders and subject to customary regulatory approvals. The Transaction will incorporate 12 production, development and exploration blocks in Colombia, covering 2.5 million gross acres, including 11 operated blocks in the Putumayo basin and the CPO-5 non-operated block in the Llanos basin, a successful operating team, and the Oleoducto Binacional Amerisur, an export oil pipeline from Colombia to Ecuador.