Stockwinners Market Radar for February 24, 2020 - Earnings, Upgrades downgrades, option trades, Best Stock Advisory Service

19:47 EST Tupperware Brands down 17.5% after below-consensus FY19, FY20 outlook

19:01 EST Perrigo, Catalent announce FDA approval of Generic Version of ProAir HFA - Perrigo (PRGO) and its partner, Catalent Pharma Solutions (CTLT) announced that the FDA has approved Perrigo's abbreviated new drug application for generic albuterol sulfate inhalation aerosol, the first AB-rated generic version of ProAir HFA. Perrigo is launching a limited quantity of generic albuterol sulfate inhalation aerosol and, in collaboration with its development and manufacturing partner Catalent, is ramping up production to meet future demand. Generic albuterol sulfate inhalation aerosol is indicated in patients 4 years of age and older for the treatment or prevention of bronchospasm with reversible obstructive airway disease and for the prevention of exercise-induced bronchospasm. ProAir HFA gross sales for the previous 12 months were approximately $1.4 billion, as measured by IQVIA.

18:48 EST Cooper-Standard says two more facilities set for closure in 2020 - In continuation of the Company's cost optimization efforts, two additional manufacturing facilities are scheduled for closure in 2020. The restructuring expense related to these additional facility closures is expected to be approximately $15 million. The structural cost savings resulting from these initiatives are expected to drive a cash payback in approximately two years on an annualized basis. In addition to the facility closures, the Company is continuing a strategic review process to consider alternatives for certain unprofitable operations. The Company expects to provide further details and updates on this process as decisions are made and finalized.

18:37 EST Orthofix supports continued FDA class 3 desisnation for Bone Growth Stimulators - Orthofix announces support for the continued U.S. Food and Drug Administration Class III designation for Bone Growth Stimulators to ensure patient safety and therapy efficacy. The FDA has announced that they will hold an Advisory Committee panel meeting on April 23 to consider whether Bone Growth Stimulator devices should be reclassified from Class III to Class II medical devices.

18:13 EST Fifth Third raises quarterly dividend by 12.5% to 27c per share - The dividend is payable on April 14, 2020 to shareholders of record as of March 31, 2020.

18:05 EST Entergy COO sells 15K shares of common stock - In a regulatory filing, Entergy disclosed that its COO Paul Hinnenkamp sold 15K shares of common stock on February 21st. The total transaction size was $1.96M.

17:33 EST Granite Construction awarded $25M interchange reconstruction task in California - Granite Construction announced it has been awarded a $25M contract by the California Department of Transportation for the Interstate 8 at Imperial Avenue interchange reconstruction project in El Centro, California, approximately 115 miles east of San Diego. Granite's scope of work includes the complete removal of the existing bridge and associated on/off ramps as well as reconstructing the interchange with a new bridge and ramps that will provide easier access into the City of El Centro from Interstate 8. Work will be completed by Granite teams from both its Desert Cities Region and its South Coast Region. Construction materials for the project, including both aggregates and asphalt, will be supplied by nearby Granite facilities. Construction on the project is expected to begin in Q2 and is estimated to be complete in Q3 of 2021.

17:21 EST D.R. Horton VP Aron Odom sells 3,300 shares of company stock - D.R. Horton VP Aron Odom disclosed in a filing that he had sold 3,300 shares of company stock at an average price of $62.08 per share on February 21. The total transaction value of the sale was $204,874

17:06 EST Lyft CFO buys 22.5K shares of common stock - In a regulatory filing, Lyft disclosed that its CFO Brian Roberts bought 22.5K shares of common stock on February 20th. The total transaction size was $1.02M.

17:04 EST Oceaneering sees FY20 organic CapEx $75M-$105M - Management said, "Capital discipline continues to be of utmost importance and we expect to generate significant positive free cash flow in 2020. We expect our organic capital expenditures to total between $75 million and $105 million. This includes approximately $40 million to $50 million of maintenance capital expenditures and $35 million to $55 million of growth capital expenditures, including approximately $5 million of carryover from 2019. We remain committed to maintaining strong liquidity and believe that our cash position, $500 million undrawn revolving credit facility and debt maturity profile should provide us ample resources and time to address future opportunities to improve our returns."

17:03 EST Oceaneering sees FY20 EBITDA $180M-$220M - Management said, "We expect our 2020 financial results to improve year over year, due to our expectations for higher activity and operating margins in each of our segments. For the year, we anticipate generating $180 million to $220 million of EBITDA, with positive operating income and EBITDA contributions from each of our operating segments. At the midpoint of this range, our EBITDA for 2020 would represent a 21% increase over 2019 adjusted EBITDA. Apart from seasonality, we view pricing and margins in the current energy markets to be stable with increasing opportunities for improvement. We anticipate all of our segments will generate improved annual operating results, with the largest increases in profitability occurring in ROV, Subsea Products and Advanced Technologies. For ROVs, our expectation for improved results is based on increased days on hire in both drill support and vessel-based services, minor shifts in geographic mix, and generally stable pricing. We project fewer installations and demobilizations in 2020, which are expected to lower operating costs, as compared to 2019. We expect EBITDA margins to average approximately 30% for the full year."

17:02 EST Invesco names Allison Dukes as deputy CFO - Invesco (IVZ) announced that Allison Dukes, former CFO for SunTrust Banks, now Truist Financial Corporation (TFC), will join the firm as Deputy CFO on March 10, reporting to Loren Starr, CFO. Ms. Dukes will remain Deputy CFO at Invesco through Aug. 1, 2020, at which time she will become Senior Managing Director and CFO.

17:01 EST Green Growth to sell cannabidiol business to BRN Group - Green Growth Brands Inc. announced that The BRN Group Inc. has agreed to acquire the company's cannabidiol business. The company and an affiliate of BRN have executed a "stalking horse" asset purchase agreement in respect of the CBD Transaction pursuant to which the Purchaser will acquire all of the assets and assume the current liabilities and certain other obligations of the CBD Business. It is anticipated that the Company will hold up to a 20% carried interest in the CBD Business following completion of the CBD Transaction. In connection with the sale of the CBD Business and upon consummation of same, BRN intends to enter into a strategic advisory and services agreement for the CBD Business with an affiliate of Authentic Brands Group LLC. ABG is a brand development, marketing and entertainment company headquartered in New York City. Through the CBD Business, GGB sells CBD-infused personal care and beauty products, along with other categories, to consumers through mall-based kiosk shops, eCommerce and wholesale agreements under the Seventh Sense and Green Lily brands as well as other highly recognizable licensed brands. Pursuant to the terms of the Stalking Horse Agreement, the Company will sell the assets comprising the CBD Business and the Purchaser will assume the current liabilities and certain other obligations of the CBD Business. It is anticipated that the Company will hold up to a 20% carried interest in the CBD Business following completion of the CBD Transaction. The Stalking Horse Agreement includes a 30-day "go shop" period which permits the Company, with the assistance of its financial advisor, to actively solicit, evaluate and enter into negotiations with third parties that express an interest in acquiring the CBD Business. The go-shop period expires on March 25, 2020. The Stalking Horse Agreement also provides for other customary terms for an agreement of this type. A termination fee is payable to the BRN Group in the amount of US$750,000 plus customary expense and deposit reimbursement in the event the Stalking Horse Agreement is terminated by the Company during the Go Shop Period to enter into a superior proposal. The obligations of the Purchaser under the Stalking Horse Agreement have been guaranteed by BRN. In connection with the sale of the CBD Business and upon consummation of same, BRN intends to enter into a strategic advisory and services agreement for the CBD Business with an affiliate of ABG. The BRN Group is a privately held entity that focuses exclusively on the cannabis sector. See "Related Party Transactions and Financial Hardship". The Board of Directors has received an opinion from AltaCorp Capital Inc. to the effect that, as of the date of such opinion, the consideration provided for in the CBD Transaction is fair, from a financial point of view, to the Company, based upon and subject to the assumptions, limitations, qualifications and such other matters as AltaCorp considered relevant.

16:49 EST Acer Therapeutics jumps 5% after urea cycle disorders trial data - Acer Therapeutics announced successful completion and final data from Part B of its pivotal trial evaluating the bioavailability and bioequivalence of ACER-001 to BUPHENYL or sodium phenylbutyrate. ACER-001 is a proprietary, taste-masked formulation of sodium phenylbutyrate, in development for the treatment of Urea Cycle Disorders, UCDs. Shares of Acer Therapeutics are up 5.10% or 25c to $4.90 per share.

16:42 EST Kratos Defense down 11.6% after reporting Q4 results, giving FY20 guidance

16:40 EST City of Columbia hires ICF International to develop CDBG-Mitigation Plan - The City of Columbia, South Carolina, has awarded ICF a small three-year contract to develop the city's first-ever disaster management Community Development Block Grant Mitigation Action Plan. As part of the plan development process, ICF will coordinate Columbia's public engagement efforts and design its mitigation needs assessment. The company will also help develop the city's CDBG-Mitigation programs which includes devising policies and procedures, leading training and technical assistance, providing quality assurance and quality control tools, and establishing measures to control waste, fraud and abuse.

16:37 EST Thoma Bravo commences tender offer for all outstanding shares of Instructure - Thoma Bravo and Instructure announced that PIV Merger Sub, an affiliate of Thoma Bravo, has commenced a previously announced cash tender offer to purchase all of the outstanding shares of common stock of Instructure. The tender offer is being made pursuant to the amended and restated merger agreement, dated February 17, by and among Instructure, Purchaser and Instructure Holdings, pursuant to which Purchaser will offer to purchase all outstanding shares of Instructure for $49.00 per share in cash, without interest and less any required withholding taxes. Thoma Bravo's best and final offer to acquire Instructure was an increase from the prior $47.60 per share consideration offered when the transaction was originally announced on December 4, 2019. The Instructure Board of Directors supports the transaction as the clearest path to maximize value for all of Instructure's stockholders and recommends that stockholders tender their shares. The tender offer is scheduled to expire at one minute after 11:59 p.m., Eastern Time, on March 20, unless extended or terminated. The closing of the tender offer is conditioned on stockholders tendering at least a majority of Instructure's outstanding shares and is subject to customary conditions for transactions of this type. Following completion of the tender offer, Thoma Bravo will complete a second-step merger in which any remaining shares of Instructure common stock will be converted into the right to receive an amount in cash equal to the per share price paid in the tender offer, without interest and less any required withholding taxes. Upon completion of the transaction, Instructure will become a privately held company.

16:35 EST BWX Technologies reports consolidated backlog of $5.3B - "Our focus in 2020 will be the continued capitalization of our Navy franchise while simultaneously ramping to a full-year production cadence on the first Columbia-Class nuclear propulsion system. We will be increasing capital investments in medical isotopes as we drive advancements towards major milestones to commercialize our moly-99 production line, and will seek new bidding opportunities in nuclear services and emerging government programs in microreactor development."

16:30 EST Boeing board names Steve Mollenkopf, Akhil Johri as new directors - The Boeing Company (BA) Board of Directors has nominated Steve Mollenkopf and Akhil Johri to be elected as directors at the company's upcoming annual meeting of shareholders. The board also announced independent directors Edward Liddy and Mike Zafirovski will not stand for re-election and will retire from board service at the meeting. Mollenkopf has served as CEO of Qualcomm (QCOM) since 2014. He has helped lead the company through the transitions to 3G, 4G and 5G since the beginning of his career as an engineer more than 25 years ago. Johri served as CFO of United Technologies (UTX) from 2015 to 2019. He previously held various executive positions of increasing responsibility over his 31-year career at the company and currently serves as an independent director of Cardinal Health (CAH).

16:28 EST Palo Alto Networks down 13% to $31.33 after lowering FY20 outlook - The company's Q3 guidance also came in below analysts' estimates.

16:26 EST Ezcorp appoints Jason Kulas CFO - Ezcorp announced that it has appointed Jason Kulas as president and CFO. Kulas has been serving as a member of the board since April 2019 and a member of the audit committee since July 2019. Prior to joining Ezcorp, Kulas spent over 25 years in financial analysis, investment banking and executive-level finance and operations roles with a variety of companies, most recently Santander Consumer USA.

16:25 EST Palo Alto Networks proposes $1B accelerated share repurchase transaction - The company's board of directors authorized the company to enter into a $1B accelerated share repurchase transaction. The company intends to enter into an ASR transaction with a financial institution during its fiscal third quarter 2020, subject to market conditions. The ASR transaction is in addition to the company's $1B share repurchase program that was announced in February 2019. As of January 31, 2020, $801.9M remained available for future share repurchases under this program.

16:22 EST Centennial Resource Development promotes COO Sean Smith to CEO - The Centennial Board of Directors announced Sean R. Smith, current Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, has been promoted to Chief Executive Officer, effective June 1, 2020. Mr. Smith has been appointed in connection with the planned retirement of Mark G. Papa, who has served as Centennial's Chairman and Chief Executive Officer since 2016. At that time, Mr. Smith is also expected to be appointed to the Board.

16:20 EST FBL Financial Chief Investment Officer to retire - FBL Financial Group announced that Charles Happel, Chief Investment Officer, will retire around mid-year 2020.

16:18 EST HP Inc. says Xerox current proposal 'flawed,' reaching out to Xerox - HP said it "believes there is merit in industry consolidation which is why it acquired Samsung Printing in 2017. However, consolidation must benefit HP shareholders. The revised Xerox proposal, announced on February 10, 2020, meaningfully undervalues HP, creates significant risk, and compromises HP's future. The revised Xerox proposal: Exchanges HP stock for cash and Xerox stock at a fundamentally flawed value exchange that does not compensate HP shareholders for the value of HP executing on its strategic plan and transfers value from HP shareholders to Xerox shareholders; Uses HP's balance sheet as transaction consideration and creates an irresponsible capital structure that would jeopardize the future value of the combined company and constrain its ability to invest in growth and innovation; and Overstates the potential synergies by including HP's existing plans for independent cost reductions and productivity gains. HP is reaching out to Xerox to explore if there is a combination that creates value for HP shareholders that is additive to HP's strategic and financial plan. HP's Board of Directors is committed to pursuing the most value-creating path and to serving HP shareholders' best interests."

16:17 EST TopBuild acquires Hunter Insulation - TopBuild Corp. has acquired Hunter Insulation, an 80-year old residential insulation company based in Long Island, New York. For the twelve months ended December 31, 2019, Hunter Insulation generated approximately $10M in annual revenue.

16:15 EST Palo Alto Networks proposes $1B accelerated share repurchase transaction

16:14 EST HP Inc. announces $15B share repurchase authorization program

16:13 EST Qorvo completes acquisition of Decawave - Qorvo announced that it has completed its acquisition of Decawave, a pioneer in ultra-wideband technology and provider of UWB solutions for mobile, automotive and IoT applications. The Decawave team has become the Ultra-Wideband Business Unit within Qorvo Mobile Products.

16:13 EST Hillman Companies appoints Steve Brunker Chief Information Officer - The Hillman Companies and The Hillman Group announced that Steve Brunker has been named Hillman's Chief Information Officer, effective February 24. Brunker joins Hillman after serving as VP and Chief Information Officer of LSI Industries since December 2000.

16:11 EST Avanos announces FDA clearance of 80-Watt COOLIEF RF system - Avanos Medical announced the U.S. FDA has cleared for marketing its new, 80-Watt COOLIEF Radiofrequency system for neurological lesion procedures. This easy-to-use system, comprised of a newly designed RF generator, peristaltic pump and therapy cables, enables physicians to perform a full spectrum of procedures including Cooled, Standard, Pulsed, TransDiscal and dual Bipolar RF.

16:07 EST Shake Shack CEO sees 2020 as another year of 'strong unit growth' - The company states: "Looking forward, we expect 2020 will be another year of strong unit growth, domestically and internationally, with 40 to 42 new company-operated Shacks and 20 to 25 net new licensed Shacks. Beyond expansion, we believe this year will be defined by our innovation pipeline with focused investments across our digital products. We're committed to building guest experiences that are more engaging, more convenient and that will provide us with more insights throughout the purchase process. On the menu side, we're excited about new products making the leap from our innovation test kitchen to Shacks everywhere, through LTOs and core menu additions. Long term, we expect to deliver double-digit adjusted EBITDA growth over the coming years as we continue to grow top line sales, as well as ultimately delivering leverage across various cost line items over time. We recognize this level of growth and investment, at times, can have a near-term impact on same-Shack sales and other aspects of our financial performance, but we believe the company will ultimately benefit from this strategy over time. We are excited about our future and the significant runway we have ahead, as we quickly approach a billion dollars in total system-wide sales and build a company not just for quarters, but for years to come."

16:02 EST Cornerstone OnDemand to acquire Saba in roughly $1.395B transaction - Cornerstone OnDemand, Inc. announced it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Saba, a global player in talent experience solutions and a portfolio company of Vector Capital. The cash and stock transaction is valued at approximately $1.395 billion and has been unanimously approved by the boards of directors of both companies. Over the course of 2020, Cornerstone plans to integrate and optimize the collective portfolio of products with an unwavering commitment to client success. AlixPartners has been retained to help support the integration of the two organizations, focused on operational excellence and maximizing client value. The transaction is subject to the satisfaction of certain customary closing conditions and regulatory review, and it is expected to close in the second quarter of 2020.

16:01 EST Pattern Energy board urges holders to vote for transaction with CPPIB - Pattern Energy Group filed an investor presentation highlighting that the company's pending transaction with Canada Pension Plan Investment Board is the best alternative for stockholders and reiterating that the Pattern Energy Board of Directors recommends that stockholders vote "FOR" the proposals related to the transaction at the upcoming Special Meeting on March 10.

15:52 EST Prudential plc confirms receipt of Third Point letter, looks forward to dialogue - Prudential plc confirms that it has today received a letter from Third Point LLC. "Prudential proactively engages with shareholders with regards to Group strategy and structure, and looks forward to commencing a dialogue with Third Point with regard to the views outlined in its letter. Prudential will provide an update on the Group's performance and strategy at its full-year results on 11 March 2020," the company stated.

14:44 EST DE senators say in letter that Bloom Energy should be fined over CO2 emissions - 16 Delaware state senators have issued a letter to the Department of Natural Resrouces and Environmental Control saying that Bloom Energy should be fined $100,000 per day for fuel cells emitting far more carbon dioxide than permitted as well as additional fines for "undisclosed disposal of tons of hazardous solid waste." According to the letter, which was posted via Twitter by Hindenberg Research's account, the DNREC did not investigate a comment on likely understated CO2 emission levels in its review of a permit that was issued to Bloom Energy to "rebuild" the fuel cell power stations at Red Lion and Brookside. The state senators added in the letter that data show that new fuel cells are exceeding the 700 pounds of CO2 per megawatt hour limit that was forecast and suggested a fine of $100,000 for every day that the emissions from Bloom fuel cells exceed 700 pounds per MWH. Reference Link

14:28 EST Mallinckrodt trading resumes, shares down 18% to $4.19

14:24 EST Mallinckrodt sinks after WSJ says chapter 11 considered for U.S. generics unit

14:08 EST NTSB to hold meeting on Feb 25 to determine probable cause of fatal Tesla crash - The National Transportation Safety Board announced its intention to hold a board meeting Feb. 25, 2020, 9:30 am EST, to determine the probable cause of the fatal crash of a Tesla in Mountain View, California. On March 23, 2018, a 2017 Tesla Model X electric-powered passenger vehicle, crashed while traveling southbound on US Highway 101. The driver, the sole occupant of the vehicle, was killed. The vehicle was being operated with advanced driver assistance features, which Tesla refers to as "autopilot." Reference Link

13:14 EST AAR signs letter of intent with Air Canada for airframe maintenance contract - AAR (AIR) announced that AAR Aircraft Services Trois-Rivieres ULC has entered into a letter of intent with Air Canada (ACDVF) regarding a ten-year, renewable agreement for airframe maintenance. This long term agreement should enable AAR to develop an Airframe Maintenance Center of Excellence at its Trois-Rivieres MRO in Quebec, Canada, and to expand its heavy maintenance services for Air Canada, which will stimulate new investment in aerospace and create more high-quality aircraft mechanic jobs. The letter of intent is subject to completion of the Transat A.T. merger by Air Canada, requisite board of directors' approvals and completion of final agreements, including terms generally applicable to large-scale airframe maintenance agreements. AAR intends to make necessary facility infrastructure investments in Trois-Rivieres to develop a Center of Excellence and accommodate the new wide-body A330 work of the combined Air Canada and Air Transat fleet. Through this agreement, it is expected that incremental aerospace jobs will be created in Trois-Rivieres and AAR's new capabilities will attract airframe maintenance work from other A330 operators.

12:58 EST Boingo erases losses, halted for volatility after report on exploring sale

12:53 EST Boingo Wireless trading halted, volatility trading pause

12:35 EST Netflix rolling out new Top 10 feature - Netflix said in a blog post that it is rolling out a new Top 10 feature on the streaming service. This new row - complete with its own special design - will enable user to see what is most popular on Netflix in one's country. It will be updated every day and the position of the row will vary depending on how relevant the shows and films are to each user. "In addition to the overall top 10 list, you'll also be able to see the top 10 most popular series and top 10 films when you click on the movies and TV shows tabs," Netflix said. "Shows and films that make these lists will also have a special "Top 10" badge, wherever they appear on Netflix. That way you can easily see what's in the zeitgeist, whether you're browsing by genre or through your personal list - or when searching for specific shows or films." Reference Link

12:08 EST Novartis down 4% after ASRS reportedly sees negative side effects for Beovu - According to a report by Piper Sandler analyst Christopher Raymond, the American Society of Retina Specialists, or ASRS, issued a member communication that he believes "meaningfully skews the risk/benefit profile for Beovu," a macular degeneration drug from Novartis (NVS). The note, which Piper could not obtain, reportedly details a side effect of Beovu that could lead to vision loss, which means "any doc currently prescribing the drug will likely 'freak out,'" according to an ASRS executive board member. In early afternoon trading, shares of Novartis are lower by 4% to $92.89.

12:03 EST eBay Canada, Shippo renew partnership for shipping services - eBay Canada and Shippo announced a renewed partnership to offer improved shipping services for Canadian sellers on eBay. Shippo is the exclusive shipping label printing partner for eBay Canada. Sellers receive easy access to Shippo services and a streamlined process for purchasing shipping labels for all their orders on the eBay platform. Collaboration between eBay Canada and Shippo began in 2017 when the parties joined forces to offer eBay sellers the ability to easily purchase shipping labels. Today's launch expands on the partnership by opening up additional shipping carriers and new payment options including major credit and debit cards, in addition to PayPal, the previous default method.

12:00 EST Britannia Bulk rises 14.0% - Britannia Bulk is up 14.0%, or 71c to $5.77.

11:51 EST Aerojet Rocketdyne announces $63.2M award from U.S. Navy - Aerojet Rocketdyne has been awarded a $63.2M Other Transaction Authority by the U.S. Navy to develop an advanced propulsion system for the MK 54 MOD 2 Advanced Lightweight Torpedo. For the Authority, Aerojet Rocketdyne will develop a prototype Stored Chemical Energy Propulsion System power plant and afterbody/tailcone which would ultimately be integrated into the ALWT. The SCEPS improves the capabilities of the MK 54 torpedo.

11:12 EST Dyadic reports data presented at ECFG15 - Dyadic International announced that data presented at the 15th European Conference on Fungal Genetics, or "ECFG15," demonstrated that its C1 strain has been glyco-engineered to achieve a core human like G2 glycan level over 76% on Host Cell Proteins. The G2 glycosylation data was presented by Anne Huuskonen from the VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland Ltd at the ECFG15 conference on Wednesday, February 19. "We are very pleased to announce this additional milestone. These important G0 and G2 glycosylation and other scientific advances further demonstrate the power of our C1 gene expression platform coupled with the dedication and world-class expertise of the VTT scientists. We expect that these scientific achievements will open new doors to apply C1 to a broader array of glycosylated biopharmaceuticals, further extend the company's market opportunities for biologic vaccines and drugs and continue to generate interest from biotech and pharmaceutical companies, academic and other institutes as well as governmental agencies in animal and human health industries," Dyadic's Chief Commercial Officer Matthew Jones stated.

11:03 EST Consumers Energy announces goal to achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2040 - Consumers Energy announced a goal to achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2040, the next step in a Clean Energy Plan. The energy provider committed to reduce 90 percent of the carbon emissions it generates by eliminating the use of coal and working with customers to use energy more efficiently. Consumers Energy expects to avoid the need to build three new power plants with customers' help. The new net zero goal means Consumers Energy will eliminate the impact of carbon emissions created by the electricity it generates or purchases for customers. The company's Clean Energy Plan provides the foundation. Consumers Energy plans to eliminate coal, boost renewable fuel sources and help customers reduce energy use and waste. The company also may offset further emissions through strategies such as carbon sequestration, landfill methane capture or large-scale tree planting.

10:37 EST Linde plc boosts quarterly dividend by 10% to 96.3c per share - Linde plc announced its board has declared a 10% increase in the company's quarterly dividend to 96.3 per share. The dividend is payable on March 20, to shareholders of record on March 6. "Linde is committed to increasing its dividends annually and, as such, we are pleased to raise the quarterly dividend again, this year by ten percent," said CEO Steve Angel.

10:03 EST Medtronic hires Sally Saba as Chief Inclusion and Diversity Officer - Medtronic announced that it is hiring its first Chief Inclusion and Diversity Officer, "underscoring its continued focus and significant investment in inclusion and diversity as a business priority." Sally Saba, M.D., will assume the newly created position effective March 2. Saba will report to Carol Surface, Chief Human Resources Officer. Most recently, Saba was the Vice President of Equity, Inclusion, and Diversity at Kaiser Permanente Health Plan and Hospitals.

10:00 EST Daily S&P Biotech Bear 3x Shares rises 9.4% - Daily S&P Biotech Bear 3x Shares is up 9.4%, or $1.06 to $12.29.

10:00 EST ProShares Trust Ultra VIX Short Term Futures ETF rises 17.1% - ProShares Trust Ultra VIX Short Term Futures ETF is up 17.1%, or $2.12 to $14.46.

09:47 EST Virgin Galactic falls -10.6% - Virgin Galactic is down -10.6%, or -$3.59 to $30.28.

09:47 EST Direxion Daily Jr Gld Mnrs Bull 3X Shrs rises 9.3% - Direxion Daily Jr Gld Mnrs Bull 3X Shrs is up 9.3%, or $8.88 to $104.41.

09:47 EST ProShares Trust Ultra VIX Short Term Futures ETF rises 22.0% - ProShares Trust Ultra VIX Short Term Futures ETF is up 22.0%, or $2.71 to $15.05.

09:44 EST VirnetX jumps after Supreme Court denies appeal attempt by Apple - Shares of VirnetX (VHC) jumped after the U.S. Supreme Court refused to consider Apple's (AAPL) appeal of an up to $1B patent award. Apple argued that a $439M judgment from the first of two cases brought by VirnetX was "grossly excessive" and should be thrown out because the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, in separate proceedings, ruled that the patents at the heart of the dispute are invalid, Bloomberg points out. Shares of VirnetX are off the day's highs but remain up 8% to $5.40 in early trading. Reference Link

09:38 EST VirnetX jumps 12% to $5.58 after Supreme Court rejects appeal by Apple

09:35 EST Innovation Pharmaceuticals submits MTA to study brilacidin for coronavirus - Innovation Pharmaceuticals announced the Company submitted a Material Transfer Agreement with a U.S.-based virology laboratory to research its lead defensin mimetic drug candidate, Brilacidin as a potential novel coronavirus treatment. Brilacidin has demonstrated broad and robust antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory properties in multiple FDA clinical trials in different indications. Under terms of the agreement, Brilacidin's potential inhibition of SARS-CoV-2, the virus responsible for COVID-19, is planned to be assessed. Discussions also are underway with a government-funded virology laboratory in Asia, to assess Brilacidin across a range of RNA viruses. On a related note, the Company has submitted a preliminary summary of Brilacidin's potential as a novel coronavirus treatment to the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority, which is dedicated to rapidly identifying and funding medical countermeasures to the COVID-19 outbreak. Should laboratory tests support Brilacidin's antiviral activity against SARS-CoV-2, and potentially other RNA viruses, the Company will look to expedite research and clinical development of Brilacidin as a potential antiviral therapy via pharmaceutical partnerships, academic collaborations and government grants. If the MTA is concluded, as the Company expects, the drug will be put into queue for testing. There is no assurance made or implied that testing of Brilacidin for any coronavirus will be conducted or successful. The Company will keep shareholders apprised of news related to evaluating Brilacidin's antiviral properties for potentially treating COVID-19, and other viruses, in addition to its core Brilacidin programs, in Ulcerative Colitis and Oral Mucositis.

09:24 EST Gilead jumps as WHO touts potential of remdesivir for coronavirus - Shares of Gilead are up sharply in pre-market trading after an assistant director-general at the World Health Organization touted the potential of the company's drug as a tool in combating the novel coronavirus outbreak that has plagued China and his begun to spread more quickly in other countries. Previously, Reuters reported that a study showed that an experimental Gilead antiviral drug prevented disease and reduced the severity of symptoms in monkeys infected with MERS, an infection closely related to the coronavirus. Over the weekend, Bruce Aylward, an assistant director-general at the World Health Organization, said at a briefing in Beijing that remdesivir is the "one drug right now that we think may have efficacy" in treating the new coronavirus, according to Bloomberg. In pre-market trading, Gilead shares are up $5.45, or 7.8%, to $75.15. Reference Link

09:20 EST Marimed harvests first cannabis crop in Massachusetts - MariMed announced that the Company began its first cannabis harvest of 2020 at its cultivation and production facility in New Bedford, MA. This state-of-the-art cultivation and production facility's initial flower production is estimated to ramp up to approximately 1,000 pounds per month, including a variety of high grade cannabis from top genetic strains. MariMed operates in Massachusetts through its wholly owned, licensed subsidiary, ARL Healthcare, Inc. In the midst of a state-wide flower shortage, MariMed received approval to start cultivation operations in November 2019. The ARL Healthcare facility contains 17 flower rooms with approximately 32,000 square feet of canopy. The Company plans to package a majority of the product for its premium flower brand, Nature's Heritage, which will be available for both the wholesale market and retail purchase at Panacea Wellness Dispensary in Middleboro, MA. The remaining product will be extracted for both edibles and raw concentrates.

09:18 EST ClearOne seeks order holding Shure in contempt for marketing MXA910W-A - ClearOne, on February 21, 2020, asked for a Court order that Shure has been manufacturing, marketing, and selling its redesigned MXA910, the MXA910W-A released in December 2019, in violation of a preliminary injunction issued by Judge Edmond E. Chang of the U.S. District Court of the Northern District of Illinois. That court-ordered injunction prohibits Shure from "manufacturing, marketing, and selling" the MXA910 for use "in its drop-ceiling mounting configuration, including marketing and selling the MXA910 in a way that encourages or allows integrators to install it in a drop-ceiling mounting configuration." By law, the injunction applies to the MXA910 and "colorable imitations" thereof. ClearOne's filing asserts that Shure has been willfully manufacturing, marketing, and selling its MXA910W-A in a way that "encourages or allows integrators to install it in a drop-ceiling mounting configuration." The measurements of the MXA910W-A allow it to be installed securely in the prohibited configuration in the majority of U.S. drop-ceiling grids, and Shure's marketing materials encourage such installation. In addition, ClearOne has found evidence that third parties are in fact installing the MXA910W-A in the prohibited configuration. ClearOne has asked the Court to order Shure to cease marketing and selling the MXA910W-A in the United States, notify all customers that the MXA910W-A violates the preliminary injunction and is thus subject to recall, award ClearOne its attorneys' fees associated with the contempt motion, and for additional discovery relating to how Shure's customers are installing the MXA910W-A.

09:17 EST Air Transport Services CEO Joe Hete to retire, Rich Corrado named CEO - Air Transport Services announced that Joe Hete will retire as CEO of the aircraft leasing and air transport services company, effective at ATSG's next annual meeting of shareholders on May 7. Hete is expected to remain a member of ATSG's board and to be elected chairman of the board upon his retirement. Randy Rademacher, currently chairman of the board, is to become the board's independent Lead Director. Rich Corrado, who was elected president of ATSG effective September 16, 2019, will become President and CEO and will be nominated for election to ATSG's board.

09:13 EST Kitov Pharmaa expands NT-219 clinical program for difficult to treat cancers - Kitov Pharma announced it will expand the planned Phase 1/2 clinical trial of NT-219 with cetuximab trial in patients with recurrent or metastatic head and neck cancer, to also include evaluation of NT-219 as monotherapy treatment in patients with advanced solid tumors. Kitov expects to initiate this study in the second quarter of 2020, pending clearance of its Investigational New Drug application by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. NT-219 is a small molecule dual inhibitor of IRS1/2 and STAT3, pathways associated with treatment resistance. The details of the planned Phase 1/2 trial will be presented in a poster at the 2020 Multidisciplinary Head and Neck Cancers Symposium, which is being held in Scottsdale, Arizona, from February 27-29, 2020. The presentation will include details of the Phase 1/2 study, as well as new preclinical data demonstrating the anti-tumor activity of NT-219 as both a monotherapy and in combination with cetuximab, an epithelial growth factor receptor blocking monoclonal antibody. The Phase 1/2 study will be an open-label, dose escalation and subsequent expansion phase study. The study will have a dose escalation component of NT-219 as a single agent; a dose escalation phase of NT-219 in combination with cetuximab; and an expansion phase of NT-219 at its recommended Phase 2 level in combination with a standard dose of cetuximab. Advanced solid tumors, as well as recurrent or metastatic squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck, will be evaluated. Other possible expansion cohorts will be determined based on the Phase 1 dose escalation and further preclinical data. The primary objectives of the study will be to assess plasma pharmacokinetics, safety, tolerability and maximum tolerated dose of NT219 as a single agent, and in combination with cetuximab. The secondary objectives will be to assess pharmacokinetics and efficacy of different dose levels of NT219, alone and in combination with cetuximab.

09:12 EST Medtronic presents early feasability data on advanced hybrid closed loop system - Medtronic announced a conclusion to the 13th International Conference on Advanced Technologies & Treatments for Diabetes. At this year's conference, the Diabetes Group at Medtronic presented a range of scientific data focusing on the company's: Advanced hybrid closed loop system which is currently in pivotal trials and aims to improve patient experience and outcomes; Latest extended wear infusion set technology, which is designed to last at least twice as long as current infusion sets while providing comfort of wear; MiniMed 670G system real-world data in Europe, which showed the hybrid closed loop system is delivering improved glycemic control across all glucose ranges in clinical and real-world settings; and Professional CGM, with cost-effectiveness data showing the potential of the device's economic value in people with type 2 diabetes. Advanced Hybrid Closed Loop Scientific Data: "Unannounced Meal Challenges in a Protected Free Living Environment Using the AHCL System", "Missed and Late Meal Boluses with Faster Acting Insulin Aspart vs. Insulin Aspart Using the Medtronic Advanced Hybrid Closed Loop System". The advanced hybrid closed loop system is designed to combine automated basal insulin delivery with automatic correction boluses. The AHCL system will also feature an adjustable target glucose as low as 100 mg/dL, the lowest amongst any automated insulin delivery system, for the first time. Compared with the MiniMed 670G system, the AHCL algorithm demonstrated an increased time spent in target glucose range of 70-180 mg/dL and a reduction in post prandial excursions in feasibility studies. Dosing insulin at mealtime can be a real challenge for people with diabetes, as they try to make sure they are giving the right amount of insulin, at the right time, for each meal. The combined automated basal and correction bolus of the AHCL system is designed to help accommodate for inexact carbohydrate counting or occasionally missed meal dose. The first study listed above assessed the effectiveness of the advanced SmartGuard auto-correction algorithm to overcome a missed pre-meal insulin dose, known as a bolus, using auto-correction, in meals with various carbohydrate totals. In the study, 14 participants consumed pre-defined meals consisting of either 40, 60 and 80 grams of carbohydrates each day either with a bolus or no bolus. Preliminary data showed that overall glycemia in the four hours following meals consumed without a bolus demonstrated 70.7 percent time in range and 3.26 percent time in hypoglycemia, compared to 86 percent time in range and 7.65 percent time in hypoglycemic range during the consumed meals with a bolus. The study concluded that when meals containing 80 gram or less of carbohydrates are consumed without manually inputting the number of carbohydrates into the pump, the system provides safe glycemic control with over 70 percent time in range with minimal low sensor glucose readings. The second study evaluated whether the use of Faster Acting Insulin Aspart may provide better post-meal glycaemia with late and missed boluses compared with insulin aspart. Adult pump-experienced participants with type 1 diabetes began using the advanced hybrid closed loop system and were randomly assigned Fiasp or insulin aspart over two stages. The study found a higher time in target range with Fiasp with missed bolus and a higher time in hypoglycemia range with late bolus. There were no major hypoglycemia or hyperglycemic excursions. Trends observed with a missed meal bolus suggest that Fiasp may offer advantages over insulin aspart though late meal-time bolus delivery remains a risk for hypoglycemia. Extended Wear Infusion Set Scientific Data: "Randomized Trial of Infusion Set Wear Duration: H-Cap Extended Wear Set vs. A Control Infusion Set", "Clinical Study of a New Extended Wear Infusion Set Design". Longer wear infusion sets and less frequent set changes is an unmet need voiced by many individuals living with diabetes. Medtronic is advancing infusion set technology with the extended wear infusion set that is designed to last at least twice as long as current infusion sets, providing more time for infusion sites to rest and heal and to permit coordination of infusion set changes with CGM sensor changes. Individuals using the technology reported a reduction in user burden compared to use of current infusion sets. Scientific data, including two new studies presented at ATTD, consistently demonstrate performance that is significantly better than the current infusion set technology. The most recent study demonstrated that infusion sets were still performing 80+ percent of the time at the end of the seven-day wear, which is equal or better to that observed for the current three-day infusion set at the end of 3-day wear. This technology promises to bring highly differentiated innovation to the infusion set space, with the ultimate goal of minimizing the burden of infusion set changes with longer wear time. "Real-Life Use and Performance of the MiniMed 670G System in Europe" After the launch of the MiniMed 670G system in Europe, a performance assessment of real-life MiniMed 670G system use was conducted by reviewing voluntary uploads to CareLink Personal software from October 1, 2018 to August 14, 2019 from individuals using the system in Europe. The percentage of time spent in the various glycemic ranges, mean sensor glucose levels, and the associated Glucose Management Indicator were assessed when SmartGuard Auto Mode was turned off and when SmartGuard Auto Mode was turned on. Data from 4,959 individuals living in 10 different countries were included in the analysis. When the SmartGuard Auto Mode feature was turned on, mean SG was 151 mg/dL, corresponding to a GMI of 6.9 percent. The time in range was 73.1 percent, time spent less than70 mg/dL was 2.3 percent, and time spent greater than180 mg/dL was 24.7 percent. These outcomes were similar for each of the countries. The real-world data shows that individuals using the MiniMed 670G system in Europe with the SmartGuard Auto Mode feature turned on achieved the internationally-recommended goals of glycemic control with time in range greater than70 percent and a GMI of less than7 percent, while minimizing hypoglycemia. "Cost-Effective Analysis of Iterative Retrospective Professional Continuous Glucose Monitor in People with Type 2 Diabetes in Portugal": Medtronic conducted a retrospective analysis to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of professional continuous glucose monitoring, also referred to as blinded or retrospective CGM, in people with type 2 diabetes from the data collected in the completed ADJUST study. In the ADJUST study, individuals with type 2 diabetes who were already on insulin were provided a proCGM device at baseline, 4-, 8- and 12-months in the single-arm study. The use of the proCGM to make targeted therapy changes was associated with a reduction in HbA1c of -1.3 percent, from 9.4 percent at baseline, to 8.1% at 12 months. Overall, proCGM was associated with improved glycemic control and treatment satisfaction in people with type 2 diabetes with elevated HbA1c and already on insulin. The retrospective analysis demonstrated that higher proCGM acquisition costs could be partially offset by reduction in complications over the patient's lifetime. As such, ProCGM represents a potentially cost-effective management tool for people with type 2 diabetes in Portugal.

09:06 EST BNP Paribas, JetBlue partner to close sustainability-linked RCF - BNP Paribas (BNPQY) announced that it has closed a sustainability-linked loan with JetBlue Airways (JBLU), via an amendment to its existing Senior Secured Revolving Credit Facility. JetBlue has amended its existing $550 million Senior Secured Revolving Credit Facility by including a "sustainability-linked" provision to align its strategic initiatives with its environmental, social, and governance performance goals and objectives. BNP Paribas assisted the Company as the sole Sustainability Structuring Agent in this effort. This SLL includes a pricing mechanism related to the applicable margin and commitment fee, which is then linked to the Company's ESG score provided by Vigeo Eiris, an international provider of ESG research and services for investors and organizations.

09:03 EST Rapid7, Snyk announce strategic partnership - Rapid7 and Snyk, announced a strategic partnership to deliver end-to-end application security to organizations developing cloud native applications. Together, Snyk and Rapid7 will provide businesses with a comprehensive approach to modern application security, offering continuous integrated security from the beginning of the application development process through to continuous monitoring and protection in production.

09:01 EST Luminex submits VERIGENE II Respiratory Flex Assay for FDA clearance - Luminex announced that the company has submitted an application to the U.S. FDA for 510(k) clearance of the VERIGENE II Respiratory Flex Assay, the second VERIGENE II assay to be submitted to the agency. The VERIGENE II Respiratory Flex Assay is a multiplexed, qualitative test for simultaneous detection and identification of common viruses and bacteria from nasopharyngeal swabs that are obtained from individuals suspected of respiratory tract infection. This assay, along with the Gastrointestinal Flex Assay, both run on Luminex's new VERIGENE II system. The GI Flex Assay is an automated test for the detection and identification of enteric bacteria, viruses, parasites, and toxins in stool samples. Both are now under review with the FDA, and Luminex anticipates launching the new VERIGENE II assays mid-year.

09:00 EST Perrigo to acquire oral care assets of High Ridge Brands for $113M in cash - Perrigo announced that it has reached a definitive agreement to acquire the oral care assets of High Ridge Brands for $113M in cash. The acquisition, which is subject to bankruptcy court approval in connection with High Ridge Brands' chapter 11 cases, as well as other customary closing conditions for this size of transaction, once again demonstrates Perrigo's commitment to transform to a consumer-focused self-care company and build shareholder value. The transaction is expected to close in the first quarter of 2020.

08:59 EST BBQ Holdings announces court approval of Granite City Food & Brewery sale - The Bankruptcy Court for the District of Minnesota has approved the sale of the assets of Granite City to BBQ Holdings, Inc. and BBQ Holdings, Inc. anticipates the Closing to occur on March 9, 2020.

08:53 EST Buffett says one of managers bought Kroger shares, purchase not directed by him - Berkshire Hathaway's (BRK.A) Warren Buffett made the comments about Kroger (KR) while being interviewed on CNBC. On February 14, Berkshire Hathaway disclosed in an SEC filing its holdings as of December 31, 2019. Berkshire's four new buys during the fourth quarter included Kroger, the filing had shown.

08:51 EST ExpressJet to add 36 Embraer ERJ145 aircraft to United Express fleet - ExpressJet Airlines, a United (UAL) Express carrier, announced it will add 36 Embraer (ERJ) ERJ145 aircraft to its United Express fleet, which will make ExpressJet the world's largest operator of the 50-seat Embraer ERJ145 aircraft. The parties are working towards a long term extension of the ExpressJet Capacity Purchase Agreement. The agreement will include: The addition of 36 Embraer ERJ145 aircraft over the next 12 months, totaling more than 125 ERJ145s in the fleet. A multi-year extension of the company's Capacity Purchase Agreement with United Airlines. A significant investment in a complete interior refresh of the ERJ145 aircraft comprising new panels, new seats, LED lighting, and an industry-leading personal device entertainment system.

08:43 EST Buffett says 'I don't own any cryptocurrency, I never will' - Berkshire Hathaway's Warren Buffett continues being interviewed on CNBC.

08:39 EST Magenta Therapeutics announces MGTA-117 data at TCT annual meeting - Magenta Therapeutics announced data from its newest clinical development candidate for conditioning, MGTA-117, at the Transplant and Cellular Therapy, or TCT, annual meeting. The company also announced additional results with a tool CD117-ADC molecule. Magenta has created a new stem cell biology discovery platform to harness the curative power of immune reset through stem cell transplant for more patients, and is developing a portfolio of novel therapeutics to allow more patients to benefit through a more precise stem cell transplant process. This portfolio includes targeted, disease-modifying antibody drug conjugates, or ADCs, such as MGTA-117, that are designed to precisely and rapidly remove the disease-causing cells in the body and enable immune system reset and long-term engraftment without the need for chemotherapy or radiation. MGTA-117, a CD117-targeted antibody engineered for the transplant setting and conjugated to amanitin, is an antibody drug conjugate being developed for patients undergoing immune reset through either autologous or allogeneic stem cell transplant. MGTA-117 precisely depletes hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells. It was developed under a partnership with Heidelberg Pharma that grants Magenta exclusive worldwide development and marketing rights for ADCs using an amanitin payload and targeting CD117. Magenta is scaling up manufacturing of MGTA-117 and completing IND-enabling studies in 2020. The company intends to move this new product candidate into the clinic with initial clinical data in 2021.

08:37 EST Magenta Therapeutics completes dosing in MGTA-145 Phase 1 trial - Magenta Therapeutics announced the completion of dosing in its Phase 1 trial of stem cell mobilization therapy clinical candidate, MGTA-145, as well as updated clinical data from the trial at the Transplant and Cellular Therapy, or TCT, Annual Meeting in Orlando, Florida. Mobilized peripheral blood is used for the majority of the 65,000 stem cell transplants performed each year across the United States and Europe, but the current standard of care, G-CSF, requires at least five days of dosing and is associated with significant side effects, including bone pain that often requires narcotics. Further, patients with autoimmune diseases or sickle cell disease can have severe side effects with G-CSF, including potentially fatal complications. Magenta is developing MGTA-145 as the new first-line standard of care for stem cell mobilization in a broad range of diseases, including autoimmune diseases, blood cancers and genetic diseases. MGTA-145, a CXCR2 agonist, works in combination with plerixafor, a CXCR4 antagonist, to harness the physiological mechanism of stem cell mobilization.

08:36 EST PDS Biotechnology appoints Kamil Ali-Jackson to board of directorsAclaris Therapeutics - PDS Biotechnology (PDSB) announced that it has appointed Kamil Ali-Jackson, Esq. to its Board of Directors. Ms. Ali-Jackson will be a member of the Board's audit committee. She is a co-founder of Aclaris Therapeutics (ACRS) and has served as Chief Legal Officer since its inception in 2012.

08:33 EST Dave & Buster's appoints Brandon Coleman III as SVP, CMO - Dave & Buster's Entertainment announced that it has appointed Brandon Coleman III as SVP and CMO, effective February 26, 2020. Coleman will succeed Sean Gleason, who has served in the role since 2009 and will continue with the company in an advisory capacity through April 30, 2020. Most recently, he served as President of Del Frisco's Grille where he led a successful brand turnaround and achieved positive same store sales growth.

08:30 EST NGM Biopharmaceuticals Inc trading resumes

08:23 EST Capital Power announces Brian Vaasjo to remain as president, CEO - The Board of Directors of Capital Power is pleased to announce that Brian Vaasjo will remain as President and CEO f the Company. The Board had been conducting a comprehensive search that attracted many high-quality candidates. However, in January, Mr. Vaasjo communicated to the Board his desire to extend his term as President and CEO. After consideration of Brian's offer, given the value created under his leadership and his vision for the future, the Board was unanimous in its decision to retain Mr. Vaasjo.

08:20 EST Alimera Sciences accesses $2.5M under solar debt agreement - Alimera Sciences announced that it has drawn down the remaining $2.5M under the $45M term loan agreement with its current lenders, investment affiliates managed by Solar Capital Partners, LLC. Under the terms of the agreement, Alimera had the option to draw down an additional $2.5M if it achieved $30M in revenue for any trailing six-month period ending on or before November 30, 2020. The $2.5M loan brings the total Alimera borrowings under the agreement to the maximum $45M available.

08:19 EST SG Blocks regains compliance with Nasdaq - SG Blocks announced that it received notice from Nasdaq indicating that the company has regained compliance with the minimum bid price requirement under Nasdaq Listing Rule 5550 for continued listing on Nasdaq. Accordingly, the company has regained compliance with the bid price rule and the matter is now closed.

08:16 EST Dine Brands increases quarterly dividend 10% to 76c per share - Dine Brands announced that its board declared and approved a 10% increase in the quarterly cash dividend to 76c per share of common stock. The dividend will be payable on April 3 to the company's stockholders of record at the close of business on March 20.

08:15 EST Tetra Bio Pharma to expand QIXLEEF program to include noncancer pain indications - Tetra Bio-Pharma provided additional information on the drug development program for QIXLEEF following the previously announced Letter of Advice and Type B meeting with the US Food and Drug Administration/ The clinical development program of QIXLEEF in the USA begins with the PLENITUDE clinical trial. This FDA authorized clinical trial assesses the clinical impact of QIXLEEF in advanced cancer patients with uncontrolled pain. A successful PLENITUDE clinical program, allows Tetra to commercialize the world's first dried flower botanical cannabinoid drug product for the treatment of pain in patients with an advanced refractory cancer. The FDA validated Tetra's nonclinical program proposed to support clinical trials in non-cancer pain indications and the New Drug Application. This guidance from FDA is critical to the success of the clinical trials and the timing to commercialization because of the costs implicated with the performance of a full nonclinical program. The FDA confirmed areas where Tetra could obtain a waiver for some of the nonclinical safety requirements based on the target patient population. Tetra will expand the program to target patients with non-cancer pain indications, under the guidance of the FDA as the PLENTITUDE clinical program advances. The Company would then seek approval for a non-cancer pain indication, such as a second-line or third- line therapy for a condition of uncontrolled pain. Uncontrolled pain refers to a state where the standard of care medications has not achieved adequate control of the pain. A second- or third-line therapy is only initiated once a patient has received the first-line of therapy but has not obtained enough relief. The FDA reviewed and provided scientific validation of Tetra's proposed approach to ensuring the quality of the botanical raw material and drug product specifications and how Tetra will ensure the comparability of the non-medicinal ingredients from lot-to-lot across the nonclinical and clinical programs. Tetra must demonstrate to the FDA that the QIXLEEF batches used in clinical trials will be comparable to those of the commercial lots as well as those that were used at every stage of the drug development program.

08:11 EST Cocrystal Pharma announces license agreement with KSURF for antiviral compounds - COCRYSTAL PHARMA announced that it has entered into a license agreement with Kansas State University Research Foundation to further develop certain proprietary broad-spectrum antiviral compounds for the treatment of Norovirus and Coronavirus infections. Under the terms of the agreement, Cocrystal has been granted an exclusive, royalty-bearing right and license to certain antiviral compounds for humans covered by KSURF's patents. Cocrystal intends to pursue research and development of theses antiviral compounds, including preclinical and clinical development. This license advances the Company's antiviral programs significantly by providing potent compounds for further development. Cocrystal's technology generates a 3-D structure of inhibitor complexes at near-atomic resolution providing the Company with the ability to identify novel binding sites, which allows for a rapid turnaround of structural information through highly automated X-ray data processing and refinement. By utilizing this technology, Cocrystal is able to develop compounds that specifically target enzymes that are important to viral replication. The Company is currently leveraging its unique structure-based technologies to develop antiviral drugs for hepatitis C, influenza and norovirus.

08:10 EST Arcadis, GDOT continue partnership with two programs - Following two decades of population growth, Georgia continues to face stiff challenges when it comes to accommodating more and more drivers on its roads. To work through these challenges and keep Georgia's roads safe and efficient, the Georgia Department of Transportation is continuing its partnership with Arcadis on two critical programs: the Regional Traffic Operations Program and the Maintenance, Engineering and Inspection program.

08:09 EST Buffett calls Apple 'incredible company' with 'incredibly useful' products - Warren Buffett is speaking on CNBC.

08:08 EST Aldeyra announces dry eye disease trial achieves primary endpoint - Aldeyra will announce, during its 2020 Research & Development Day, that the Phase 2 novel formulation clinical trial in dry eye disease achieved the primary endpoint of symptom control. The double-masked, randomized, vehicle-controlled, multi-center, parallel-group clinical trial assessed the efficacy and safety of a novel formulation of 0.25% reproxalap topical ophthalmic solution compared to vehicle in 206 patients with moderate to severe dry eye disease. Relative to the formulation of 0.25% reproxalap topical ophthalmic solution used in prior clinical trials, the concentration of a single excipient was increased in the novel formulation. The primary efficacy endpoint was change from baseline versus vehicle in patient-reported ocular dryness score over two to twelve weeks of treatment. Relative to patients treated with vehicle, patients treated with reproxalap demonstrated statistically significant reduction in ocular dryness. Based on the results across the clinical studies conducted in dry eye disease to date, Aldeyra plans to meet with the FDA prior to initiating Part 2 of the RENEW Trial and expects to provide an update on future development plans in dry eye disease following FDA feedback. In addition, Aldeyra will present novel combined data analyses from the Phase 2b clinical trial and Part 1 of the Phase 3 RENEW Trial in dry eye disease. The analyses included approximately 460 patients treated with reproxalap for up to four weeks, during which site visits, formulation, and dosing regimen were the same across the trials. Statistically significant improvement over vehicle was demonstrated in the combined data for ocular dryness and nasal region fluorescein staining. Topical ocular reproxalap has now been studied in over 1,100 patients with no observed safety concerns reported; mild instillation site irritation is the most commonly reported adverse event in clinical trials. Aldeyra will also present the results of a head-to-head tolerability clinical trial of the current formulation of investigational new drug reproxalap and the novel formulation of reproxalap versus Xiidra over one hour after drop instillation. The tolerability of both formulations of reproxalap, as assessed by a variety of drop experience scores including ocular discomfort, blurry vision, and taste disturbance, was statistically superior to that of Xiidra. In a crossover design with a three-day washout period between visits, nineteen patients were exposed at each visit to either Xiidra, the current formulation of reproxalap, or the novel formulation of reproxalap. No statistical differences were noted in tolerability between the current formulation of reproxalap and the novel formulation of reproxalap. The trial compared only tolerability under the aforementioned conditions.

08:06 EST Reed's appoints Norman Snyder as CEO - Reed's announced the appointment of Norman Snyder, Jr., currently COO, as Reed's CEO effective March 1, 2020. Snyder has served as COO of Reed's Inc. since September 2019 and has over 36 years of multi-faceted experience in operations, sales, marketing, finance, manufacturing, business development and management with public, private, international and start-up companies within the beverage industry. Snyder will succeed John Bello, who has served as Reed's Interim CEO since September 2019. Mr. Bello will continue to support Reed's as the Chairman of the Board of Directors and will work closely with Mr. Snyder to ensure a seamless transition.

08:04 EST NGM says aldafermin achieves composite endpoint in Phase 2 study - NGM Biopharmaceuticals announced preliminary topline results from the 24-week double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled cohort of an adaptive Phase 2 study evaluating the efficacy, safety and tolerability of 1 mg aldafermin in patients with biopsy-confirmed non-alcoholic steatohepatitis with stage 2 or 3 liver fibrosis. Aldafermin, NGM's lead wholly-owned drug candidate, is an engineered variant of the human hormone FGF19 being developed as a once-daily treatment for patients with NASH. Cohort 4 was powered to demonstrate the effect of aldafermin treatment versus placebo on the primary endpoint of change in absolute liver fat content, which achieved statistical significance. In addition, the study assessed secondary and exploratory endpoints of liver histology and biomarkers of disease activity, many of which also achieved statistical significance. The histology results revealed that treatment with aldafermin led to clinically meaningful improvements at 24 weeks versus placebo in fibrosis and in resolution of NASH. Treatment with aldafermin 1 mg resulted in a fibrosis improvement of greater than or equal to1 stage with no worsening of NASH in 38% of patients compared to 18% in the placebo arm. 24% of patients in the aldafermin treatment arm achieved the endpoint of resolution of NASH with no worsening of liver fibrosis as compared to 9% of placebo patients. Of note, 22% of patients in the aldafermin treatment arm versus 0% in the placebo arm achieved the composite endpoint of both fibrosis improvement and resolution of NASH, which was statistically significant. Draft guidance by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration indicates that each of these is an acceptable endpoint for potential accelerated approval in a future pivotal trial. Patients treated with aldafermin also demonstrated statistically significant improvements in each of the non-alcoholic fatty liver disease activity score components: steatosis, lobular inflammation and hepatocellular ballooning. In addition, a statistically significant proportion of patients in the aldafermin treatment arm experienced a two-point improvement in total NAS without worsening of fibrosis, compared to the placebo arm. Aldafermin was generally well tolerated with no study withdrawals due to adverse events as compared to one withdrawal due to an adverse event in the placebo arm. The most common adverse events in the study were primarily mild to moderate and occurred with comparable frequency in both the aldafermin and placebo arms. None of the reported serious adverse events was deemed related to treatment by the site investigator. NGM's ongoing Phase 2b ALPINE 2/3 clinical study is designed to assess the efficacy, safety and tolerability of 0.3 mg, 1 mg and 3 mg of aldafermin compared to placebo in patients with biopsy-confirmed NASH and F2-F3 liver fibrosis. NGM expects to enroll approximately 150 patients in the ALPINE 2/3 study, with data expected in the first half of 2021. In addition, NGM plans to initiate the Phase 2b ALPINE 4 study, which is designed to evaluate aldafermin in NASH patients with F4 liver fibrosis and well-compensated cirrhosis, in the first half of 2020. Cohort 4 is a multi-center, double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled Phase 2 study evaluating the efficacy, safety and tolerability of 1 mg once daily subcutaneous injections of aldafermin over 24 weeks of treatment. The study enrolled 78 patients with biopsy-confirmed NASH with F2-F3 liver fibrosis who were randomized 2:1 to receive once-daily aldafermin 1 mg or placebo. The primary endpoint was the treatment effect on absolute LFC as measured by magnetic resonance imaging-estimated proton density fat fraction, or MRI-PDFF, compared to placebo at 24 weeks, with a greater than or equal to5% absolute LFC reduction identified as clinically meaningful. Secondary and exploratory endpoints included relative changes in LFC, biomarkers of liver function and effect on liver histology. Patients were also evaluated at week 30 following six weeks off treatment for safety and non-invasive measures. Patient liver biopsies were performed at baseline screening and at the end of 24 weeks of treatment and were read using the NASH CRN criteria by one central, independent hepatopathologist who was blinded to patient and treatment assignment. As per protocol, liver biopsy data were analyzed using the "liver histologic population," which was defined as the subset of enrolled patients who had valid, non-missing biopsy data at both baseline and week 24. Six patients withdrew prior to the week 24 biopsy for reasons not due to adverse events related to treatment. The study achieved its primary endpoint, demonstrating a statistically significant absolute least square (LS) mean reduction in LFC of 8% and a statistically significant LS mean relative reduction in LFC of 39% in the treatment arm, as compared to reductions of 3% and 13%, respectively, in the placebo arm, as measured by MRI-PDFF. A statistically significant proportion of patients treated with aldafermin achieved a greater than or equal to5% absolute reduction in LFC compared to placebo. Similarly, a statistically significant proportion of patients treated with aldafermin achieved a greater than or equal to30% relative reduction in LFC compared to placebo. Statistically significant improvements were also observed in the aldafermin treatment arm versus placebo related to biomarkers of liver inflammation and injury and PRO-C3. Consistent with the previously announced interim analysis data from this cohort, the reductions in key biomarkers to near normal levels were observed as early as week 2 and sustained through week 24. As observed in the prior Phase 2 cohorts, the Cohort 4 findings revealed that patients treated with 1 mg of aldafermin experienced a mean increase of 45 mg/dL LDL cholesterol at week 2 of treatment relative to baseline. This increase is consistent with the drug's mechanism of action and potent FGFR4-mediated CYP7A1 inhibition. Under the protocol, patients in both the placebo and aldafermin arms who experienced an increase in mean levels of LDL-C of at least 10 mg/dL at week 2 of treatment were directed to take rosuvastatin daily during the treatment period. LDL-C was effectively managed with concomitant statin use, and LDL-C levels for both placebo and aldafermin arms were nearly identical at approximately 77 mg/dL at week 24. In addition, mean serum triglyceride levels were significantly reduced in patients treated with aldafermin versus placebo as early as week 2 and sustained through week 24. NGM plans to present additional efficacy and tolerability findings of the Phase 2 Cohort 4 data at an upcoming medical meeting.

08:03 EST Teva announces FDA approval of ArmonAir Digihaler inhalation powder - Teva Respiratory, an affiliate of Teva, announced that the FDA has approved ArmonAir Digihaler inhalation powder, an inhaled corticosteroid, or ICS, delivered via Teva's Digihaler device, which contains built-in sensors and connects to a companion mobile application that provides information on inhaler use to people with asthma. ArmonAir Digihaler is indicated for the maintenance treatment of asthma in patients 12 years and older. ArmonAir Digihaler is not indicated for the relief of acute bronchospasm.

07:56 EST NGM Biopharmaceuticals Inc trading halted, news pending

07:52 EST Warren Buffett says he'd vote for Mike Bloomberg for president - Warren Buffett is speaking on CNBC.

07:51 EST Buffett says not 'card-carrying Democrat' when asked about Bernie Sanders - Warren Buffett, while speaking on CNBC, said he's a Democrat, but not a "card-carrying Democrat," when asked about Bernie Sanders being the favorite to win the nomination.

07:39 EST Aeglea expects topline data for Phase 3 trial of pegzilarginase in 1Q21 - The Company expects to complete enrollment of its global, pivotal Phase 3 Pegzilarginase Effect on Arginase 1 Deficiency Clinical Endpoints trial in the third quarter of 2020 and to provide topline data in the first quarter of 2021. Based on a recent genetic prevalence analysis of Arginase 1 Deficiency, and with more than 200 patients already identified worldwide, the Company now estimates an addressable patient population of greater than 2,500, up from an estimate of 1,000 patients based solely on initial insights using newborn screening data. The Company's patient-identification strategy, informed by critical insights from disease analysis and trial experience, has already identified more than 100 patients in the United States, representing a 40% penetration into the genetic prevalent population.

07:37 EST Primoris announces resignation of director Brian Pratt - Primoris Services Corporation announced that Brian Pratt resigned from the Board of Directors on Thursday, February 20, 2020. In December 2019, the Company previously announced Mr. Pratt's intentions to resign at the regularly scheduled Board meeting this month.

07:36 EST Enochian Biosciences announces FDA INTERACT meeting date for potential HIV cure - Enochian Biosciences announces that the FDA has scheduled an Initial Targeted Engagement for Regulatory Advice on CBER Products meeting for early June. The meeting is focused on Enochian's ENOB-HV-01, a novel approach to autologous stem cell transplantation with the potential to increase engraftment of genetically modified cells that are resistant to HIV infection, as a potential cure for HIV. The FDA's Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research has numerous INTERACT requests and only grants meetings that are deemed appropriate for this early FDA engagement. The INTERACT meetings are a new program at CBER, FDA, as part of their commitment to help accelerate the development and approval of innovative medical products.

07:34 EST Tactile Systems announces denial of motion to dismiss qui tam complaint - Tactile Systems Technology announced that the Company's motion to dismiss the qui tam complaint filed against the Company has been denied by the court. "We are disappointed that our motion to dismiss was denied and we will continue to defend ourselves against these allegations as the litigation moves forward," said Gerald R. Mattys, Chief Executive Officer of Tactile Medical. "The judge's decision was in no way an indication of wrongdoing on our behalf, or a validation of the merits of the allegations; it merely represents a determination that there was sufficient information in the complaint to move to the next step in the process. We are now working expeditiously to respond to the complaint formally and will continue to update the investment community of material developments in the litigation process going forward."

07:33 EST Aeglea BioTherapeutics expects capital to fund operations through 1Q21 - As of December 31, 2019, Aeglea had available cash, cash equivalents, marketable securities and restricted cash of $73.4 million. Based on Aeglea's current operating plan, management believes it has sufficient capital resources to fund anticipated operations through the first quarter of 2021.

07:24 EST WeedMD engages KCSA for investor relations services - WeedMD announced that it has engaged KCSA Strategic Communications to provide investor relations services effective as of February 24, 2020. Pursuant to the Service Agreement, KCSA will provide comprehensive investor relations services for an initial term of six months and unless terminated by either party, will thereafter be automatically renewed on a month-to-month basis. Pursuant to the Service Agreement, WeedMD will pay KCSA a monthly base fee of $8,000, plus reasonable out-of-pocket expenses. KCSA does not currently own any shares of WeedMD nor does it have any other direct or indirect interest in WeedMD.

07:23 EST WeedMD's Starseed Medicinal signs IUPAT to medicinal cannabis program - WeedMD announced that its subsidiary Starseed Medicinal is now the preferred supplier of medical cannabis to the IUPAT Province of Ontario Health & Welfare Trust Fund's participants. The agreement provides approximately 7,000 IUPAT members and their dependents with medical cannabis as an insured benefit, with no co-pay or out-of-pocket costs.

07:20 EST First Majestic announces results from 2019 exploration at Ermitano project - FIRST MAJESTIC announced the results from its 2019 exploration program at the Ermitano project located approximately four kilometres away from the Company's producing Santa Elena operation in Sonora, Mexico. The program focused on infill drilling to upgrade a large existing Inferred Resource into Indicated Resources to support detailed mine design before construction. The 2019 exploration program totalled 33,767 metres in 103 drill holes primarily consisting of infill holes designed to increase the confidence and overall size of the resource. As previously disclosed in the Company's Annual Information Form on March 31, 2019, the Ermitano project contains an Indicated Resource of 704,000 tonnes grading 389 g/t AgEq for 8.8 million AgEq ounces and an Inferred Resource of 4,637,000 tonnes grading 329 g/t AgEq for 49.0 million AgEq ounces. Furthermore, the Company is expecting to release an updated AIF and resource estimate for the Ermitano project at the end of the first quarter of 2020 which will include the 2019 drill results with final assay cut-off's as of December 31, 2019. At the end of 2019, 157 holes were completed totalling 55,719 metres on the property. After detailed geological logging, all drill core samples were cut in half on site by diamond saw. One half of the core was submitted to SGS Laboratories in Hermosillo, Mexico for sample preparation and SGS Laboratories in Durango, Mexico for sample analysis. The remaining half core is retained on-site for verification and reference purposes. In 2020, the Company is planning to drill approximately 15,000 metres in 50 drill holes. This drilling will focus on infill of the main resource area, including resource expansion in the eastern Ermitano vein area, the Aitana vein, and several nearby newly identified targets. In addition, the Company is currently working on several engineering studies, including geotechnical and geohydrological investigations, a detailed metallurgical testing and a series of trade-offs analysis to define the materials handling infrastructure. These studies will support a pre-feasibility study expected to be released in the fourth quarter of 2020. Furthermore, the Company is expected to complete 3,800 metres of underground development in 2020. This development program, which began in late 2019, is designed to complete the main access ramp to reach the mineralized area and prepare five production levels with all associated mining infrastructure. Production from Ermitano is expected to displace the current feed from the old heap pads which is currently making up approximately 40% of the feed to the mill.

07:18 EST Plymouth Industrial REIT to transfer listing to NYSE - Plymouth Industrial REIT announced it has received approval from the New York Stock Exchange to transfer the listing of its common stock from the NYSE American to the NYSE. Plymouth expects its common stock to begin trading on the NYSE effective at the opening of markets on February 27. Plymouth's Series A Preferred Stock will continue to trade on the NYSE-A for the foreseeable future. Plymouth's common stock will trade on the NYSE under the ticker symbols "PLYM", the same symbol the common stock traded under on the NYSE-A.

07:17 EST Nuance announces general availability of Ambient clinical intelligence - Nuance Communications announced the general availability and accelerated delivery of the Nuance Dragon Ambient eXperience solution, an ambient clinical intelligence solution for a wide array of medical specialties. Working in tandem with electronic health record systems, the Nuance DAX solution revolutionizes the physician-patient experience by securely capturing and contextualizing physician-patient conversations and powering the exam room of the future where clinical documentation writes itself. Innovated by Nuance and Microsoft, the Nuance DAX solution is built on decades of healthcare experience, in-depth research investments in conversational AI, and enterprise-focused cloud services. Nuance DAX leverages and extends the proven power of Nuance Dragon Medical, already relied upon by over 500,000 physicians globally, with the latest advancements in ambient sensing technology and AI to create a fully voice-enabled and ambient exam room environment. As part of a multi-year joint development effort, Microsoft has come together with Nuance to enrich Nuance DAX's capabilities with AI and cloud capabilities from Microsoft, including the ambient intelligence technology, EmpowerMD, which will come to market as part of the Nuance DAX solution.

07:13 EST Cooper Tire sees 'modest global unit volume increase' in FY20 - Sees capital expenditure in $260M-$280M range.

07:11 EST Cooper Tire CEO sees 'momentum to make greater progress' on initiatives - CEO Brad Hughes says: "With a focus on the consumer, we have continued to execute a physical and e-commerce retail expansion effort that now has Cooper products available in the top five tire retailers in the U.S. We have improved our product mix through a continued focus on high value-add tires, forged ahead into the original equipment space with Mercedes-Benz as a key customer, and delivered a strong cadence of compelling new products. To enhance the competitiveness of our global manufacturing footprint, we shifted production from our Melksham facility to other lower cost plants, acquired full ownership of our Mexico facility to further develop the full potential of the plant, and opened a new truck and bus radial tire joint venture plant in Asia. In addition, we have enhanced our TBR tire business by launching the Cooper brand, which won key OE fitments with Blue Bird school buses. Cooper is also building out a digital marketing capability and increasing brand awareness through a new advertising campaign. Focusing on the fourth quarter, our operating results were in line with our expectations. Operating profit margin improved on both a year-over-year and sequential basis. We saw volume declines in all regions as global tire markets continued to be affected by unfavorable economic and political factors. Yet, in our core U.S. market, light vehicle tire volume was in line with the industry, and in Asia, third party sales were up compared to last year. We have the momentum to continue to make even greater progress on our strategic initiatives and derive even more positive results in 2020."

07:11 EST Rocket Pharmaceuticals announces publication regarding FA treatment approach - Rocket Pharmaceuticals announced the recent publication of a peer-reviewed manuscript: the first comprehensive review of somatic mosaicism in Fanconi Anemia, or FA, in the journal Annals of Hematology. The review summarized the existing literature regarding mosaicism in FA, a phenomenon previously described as "natural gene therapy." Mosaicism occurs when a spontaneous second mutation occurs in an FA gene, resulting in a functional FA protein and restored cellular DNA-repair capacity. When this type of reversion or compensatory mutation occurs in hematopoietic stem cells, or HSCs, these cells have at times been capable of restoring a more normalized blood and bone marrow environment, in some cases over multiple decades. The review provides the FA community with an additional resource to better understand the phenomenon and further supports Rocket's approach of treating patients with RP-L102, the company's gene therapy candidate for FA, without a pre-treatment conditioning regimen. The publication includes a literature-based assessment of FA mosaicism and identification of a cohort of cases that most likely emanated from reversion in long-term repopulating HSC populations. Additionally, the manuscript details diagnostic methods and outcomes of published cases of mosaicism with an evaluation of cases in which FA mosaic patients were followed long-term in a clinical setting. These findings provide additional detail on the mechanism and chronology by which gene corrected cells may repopulate patients' blood and bone marrow following treatment with Rocket's gene therapy candidate, RP-L102, which is currently being investigated in a global Phase 2 registration-enabling study. The Phase 2 trial is designed to assess the therapeutic efficacy of RP-L102 in patients with FA. Patients are treated with RP-L102 "Process B" which incorporates a modified stem cell enrichment process, transduction enhancers, as well as commercial-grade vector and final drug product. Improved mitomycin-C resistance in bone marrow colony forming cells is the primary endpoint and may also serve as a surrogate endpoint for accelerated approval.

07:08 EST Altair appoints Gilma Saravia as CPO - Altair (ALTR) announced that Gilma Saravia has joined the company as chief people officer. Saravia will lead Altair's global human resources organization, including its workforce strategy, talent acquisition and development, as well as employee engagement. She will oversee all aspects of Altair's HR functions globally, supporting 3,300 employees across 26 countries. Additionally, as a member of the Altair executive leadership team, she will support strategic company initiatives to ensure Altair continues to foster a culture that attracts, grows and retains the best and the brightest. Most recently she was vice president, global corporate human resources and talent for Aptiv (APTV).

07:07 EST Lipocine announces regulatory path for Tlando - Lipocine announced the results of its post action meeting with the FDA regarding its new drug application, or NDA for Tlando, the company's oral testosterone product candidate for testosterone replacement therapy in adult males for conditions associated with a deficiency of endogenous testosterone, also known as hypogonadism. Based on the post action meeting and written feedback, the FDA indicated Lipocine's approach to addressing the single remaining deficiency through the reanalysis of existing data in accordance with FDA feedback appears to be a reasonable path forward. The FDA requested that the information generated by the reanalysis be submitted as part of an NDA resubmission with a six-month Prescription Drug User Fee Act clock.

07:03 EST Aon plc names John Bruno as COO - Aon announced that John Bruno will take on the additional role of COO of Aon, reporting to Case. In that capacity, he will continue to lead development of the firm's Aon Business Services platform. Bruno will also continue as CEO of Data & Analytic Services and add the firm's technology-enabled Affinity offerings to that portfolio.

06:49 EST Buffett says Berkshire may very well be buying stocks on today's selloff - Warren Buffett is speaking on CNBC.

06:46 EST Babcock & Wilcox unit awarded $18M contract - SPIG S.p.A., a subsidiary of Babcock & Wilcox Enterprises, has been awarded a contract to provide cooling technologies and associated services for an industrial facility. The total contract value is more than $18M over approximately 10 years.

06:39 EST Transcat acquires substantially all assets of TTE Laboratories - Transcat announced it has acquired substantially all of the assets of TTE Laboratories, including the URL, www.pipettes.com, effective February 21. Founded in 1989 and based in Boston, MA, TTE provides a broad range of pipette services, from ISO 17025 and 8655 compliant calibration to repair, refurbishment or replacement, calibration management and user training, as well as selling a broad line of pipette equipment and supplies. They predominantly serve the life sciences market, including biotech and pharmaceutical, as well as R&D labs and universities. TTE has approximately $8M in annual revenue, roughly split 60/40 between calibration service revenue and product sales.

06:38 EST Tilly's names Jon Kosoff as Chief Digital Officer - Tilly's announced that Jon Kosoff has been appointed to serve as the company's Chief Digital Officer, effective February 24. Kosoff will oversee all aspects of the company's e-commerce, digital marketing, and customer relationship management functions. Prior to joining the company, Kosoff served as Vice President of E-commerce and Performance Marketing at Taco Bell since January 2018.

06:36 EST CenterPoint Energy announces sale of CenterPoint Energy Services business - CenterPoint Energy announced it has entered into an agreement to sell its natural gas retail business, CenterPoint Energy Services, or CES, to Energy Capital Partners, or ECP, a private equity and credit investor specializing in energy infrastructure projects, for total consideration of approximately $400M, including estimated working capital at close, subject to the satisfaction of customary terms and conditions. As part of the transaction, CES will enter into a structured long-term Preferred Supply agreement where Shell Energy North America will provide gas supply and collateral support, as well as receive equity warrants. Net proceeds of the sale will be used to repay a portion of outstanding CenterPoint Energy debt.

06:35 EST Golden Star Resources appoints Paul Thomson as CFO - Golden Star Resources announced that Paul Thomson has been appointed Executive Vice President and CFO. As previously announced on January 22, Paul joined the company on January 27 and assumed the CFO role following the release of the 2019 results on February 18. Andre van Niekerk will remain with Golden Star to assist with the transition.

06:33 EST Epizyme sees cash runway extending 'into at least 2022' - Based on its current operating plans, Epizyme expects its current cash runway to extend into at least 2022. Additionally, the company expects its GAAP operating expenses for 2020 to be between $300M-$330M inclusive of the milestones due to Eisai for the FDA approval of TAVERIK for epithelioid sarcoma and for follicular lymphoma, if approved.

06:33 EST Buffett says Berkshire 'very unlikely' to acquire airline outright - Warren Buffett said on CNBC that while "not impossible," it is "very unlikely" that Berkshire Hathaway (BRK.A) would acquire an airline outright. Buffett noted that his largest holding in the space is Delta Air Lines (DAL). Other names in the industry include Alaska Air (ALK), American Airlines (AAL), JetBlue (JBLU), Southwest (LUV), Spirit Airlines (SAVE) and United Airlines (UAL).

06:25 EST PepsiCo to acquire Chinese snack brand Be & Cheery for $705M - PepsiCo announced that it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Hangzhou Haomusi Food Co., Ltd., or "Be & Cheery," one of the largest online snacks companies in China, from Haoxiangni Health Food Co., for $705M. PepsiCo has been operating in China for nearly 40 years and said in a statement that this transaction marks an important step in the company's goal to become China's leading consumer-centric food and beverage company. Based in Hangzhou, Be & Cheery has many product offerings across nuts, dried fruits, meat snacks, baked goods and confectionery, and predominantly sells online through the major e-commerce platforms in China. "Be & Cheery is highly complementary to our existing China business with its broad product portfolio, asset light model, and focus on e-commerce," said Ram Krishnan, CEO of PepsiCo Greater China. "As we look to accelerate growth in key markets around the world and further grow 'in China, for China, with China', Be & Cheery adds direct-to-consumer capability, positioning us to capitalize on continued growth in e-commerce, and a local brand that is able to stretch across a broad portfolio of products, through both online and offline channels. We also expect to leverage Be & Cheery's innovation and consumer insights capabilities to drive innovation in other key PepsiCo growth markets." The transaction is subject to a Haoxiangni shareholder vote, certain regulatory approvals and other customary conditions.

06:23 EST Carter's: Q1, FY20 guidance does not include potential effects of coronavirus - The company is closely monitoring the outbreak of a respiratory illness caused by a novel coronavirus that was first detected in Wuhan, China. The virus has affected several industries within China, including textile production and manufacturing. The company plans to source approximately 15% of its products from China in 2020. Additionally, the company's suppliers throughout Asia source a significant amount of fabric from China. Travel restrictions delayed the return of factory workers following the recent conclusion of the Chinese New Year holiday. The company's suppliers have not yet determined, with certainty, the impact of production delays. Accordingly, the financial impact of any delayed receipts from China is not known at this time. The company's guidance for fiscal year 2020 and the first quarter of fiscal 2020 does not include any adjustments for potential effects of the coronavirus situation.

06:19 EST United Therapeutics, DEKA announce additional FDA clearance for Remunity pump - United Therapeutics and DEKA Research & Development Corp. announced receipt of an additional 510(k) clearance by the FDA related to the Unity Subcutaneous Delivery System for Remodulin Injection, also referred to as the Remunity pump, enabling United Therapeutics to launch the system using drug reservoirs that have been prefilled by specialty pharmacies. The Remunity system, which was jointly developed by United Therapeutics and DEKA, is indicated for continuous subcutaneous delivery of Remodulin to treat pulmonary arterial hypertension, or PAH, in adults greater than 22 years of age. The Remunity system includes a small, lightweight, ambulatory pump with an intended service life of three years, which the patient connects to a disposable prefilled cassette. The system was initially cleared by the FDA in May 2019 with instructions for patient filling. This additional 510(k) clearance enables cassettes to be prefilled with Remodulin by contracted specialty pharmacies in order to improve convenience for patients. United Therapeutics plans to launch the Remunity system by July 2020. United Therapeutics and DEKA are also developing a future version of the system that will include disposable components that are prefilled as part of the manufacturing process.

06:11 EST GenapSys partners with Twist Bioscience - GenapSys announced a new OEM partnership with Twist Bioscience. The collaboration will bring a broad and comprehensive range of target enrichment and library preparation tools for next-generation sequencing to the GenapSys high accuracy Sequencer offering. Twist's products will further empower owners of GenapSys's next-generation sequencer to conduct research in oncology, whole-exome sequencing, rare diseases, viral outbreaks, drug discovery, and more in a simple solution. The partnership provides significant benefit to customers who will now have the ability to work with a single vendor, cutting down on paperwork and eliminating costly time delays through the convenience of "one stop" shopping. Additionally, research laboratories will have the peace of mind of knowing that the enrichment tools and the gene sequencer will work harmoniously together.

06:06 EST Tutor Perini unit awarded three projects valued at $28M - Tutor Perini announced that its subsidiary, Black Construction Corp., in a joint venture with MACE International, has been awarded by the U.S. Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Far East District, three new task orders for projects in Diego Garcia collectively valued at approximately $28M. The first task order, valued at approximately $12.3M, is for a project to construct a 34-meter antenna facility and support infrastructure at the U.S. Naval Support Facility, Diego Garcia. This work is expected to be completed by April 2021. The second and third task orders, valued at approximately $7.7M and $7.8M, respectively, are for projects to construct two new 13-meter diameter radomes, each with reinforced concrete antenna footings, an internal concrete room, ring wall, heating, ventilation and air conditioning unit, electrical and communication lines at the communication site facility at U.S. Naval Support Facility, Diego Garcia. The two radome projects are expected to be completed by February 2021. The project contract values will be included in the company's first quarter 2020 backlog.

06:03 EST Lattice Semiconductor announces $40M stock repurchase program - Lattice Semiconductor announced that its Board of Directors has authorized the company to repurchase up to $40M of its outstanding common stock over the next twelve months.

05:19 EST Kosmos CFO Thomas Chambers to retire, Neal Shah to succeed Chambers as CFO - Kosmos Energy announced that Thomas Chambers, who has served as senior vice president and CFO since November 2014, has informed the company that he will retire in May. Chambers will be succeeded by Neal Shah, currently senior vice president and deputy chief financial officer. Shah has been with Kosmos since 2010, serving in a series of roles of increasing responsibility in finance, investor relations and, most recently, in international operations as head of the Equatorial Guinea business unit.