Stockwinners Market Radar for May 05, 2020 - Earnings, Upgrades downgrades, option trades, Best Stock Advisory Service

19:33 EDT Suncor cuts quarterly dividend by 55% to C$0.21 per share - This dividend will be payable on June 25, 2020 to shareholders of record at the close of business on June 4, 2020.

18:49 EDT GAP Airports reports April total terminal traffic down 91.5% - Grupo Aeroportuario del Pacifico announced preliminary terminal passenger traffic figures for the month of April, compared to traffic figures for April 2019. During April 2020, due to the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, total terminal passengers at GAP's 14 airports decreased by 91.5%, compared to the same period of the previous year. Domestic passenger traffic decreased by 88.0%, while international passenger traffic decreased by 96.0%.

18:41 EDT Nabors Industries adopts limited duration shareholder rights plan - Nabors Industries announced that its Board of Directors has adopted a limited duration shareholder rights plan under which shareholders will receive rights to purchase shares of a series of preferred shares. The Rights will expire on April 30, 2021. The rights plan was adopted specifically to restrict the ability of persons or groups to acquire more than 4.9% of the Company's common shares, 5c per share, thus protecting against a loss of Nabors' U.S. federal net loss carryforwards and other tax assets that may be used to reduce future U.S. federal income tax obligations. In addition, the rights plan will help ensure fair treatment of Nabors' shareholders in light of the significant drop in oil prices exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. The rights plan will reduce the likelihood that persons or groups will be able to gain control of Nabors without paying a control premium. The adoption of the rights plan, however, is not a response to any known effort to acquire control of the Company.

18:20 EDT PepsiCo Foods Canada to recall 190 gram bags of Ruffles Hot Wings Potato Chips - PepsiCo Foods Canada issued a voluntary recall in Quebec and Labrador of a small quantity of 190 gram bags of Ruffles Hot Wings potato chips due to an undisclosed ingredient, mustard seed, which is an allergen that is not declared on the Ruffles Hot Wings package. These products were distributed to retailers in Quebec and Labrador only. No other Ruffles products are included in this recall. No other "Guaranteed Fresh" dates for Ruffles Hot Wings are included in this recall. No consumer concerns related to this matter have been reported to date. The company is working closely with the Canadian Food Inspection Agency to coordinate the withdrawal.

18:18 EDT Nordstrom reports 'solid' online traffic, conversion

18:17 EDT Nordstrom to permanently close 16 full-line stores, restructure its regions - Nordstrom shared additional actions the retailer is taking to increase flexibility and agility in serving customers and position the business for the long-term. Nordstrom's market strategy enables customers to shop seamlessly across multiple touchpoints including its two brands Nordstrom and Nordstrom Rack, in stores and online. In general, more than half of Nordstrom's store sales involve an online journey and a third of online sales involve a store experience. To meet accelerating changes in customer expectations, the company is taking actions to strengthen its business for the long-term. Based on the needs of each market, the Company plans to permanently close 16 full-line stores. The company will incur non-cash impairment charges associated with these closures. Nordstrom is also restructuring its regions, support roles and corporate organization for greater speed and flexibility. This restructuring is expected to result in expense savings of approximately $150 million, or 30 percent of the company's previously announced plans for net cash reductions of more than $500 million in operating expenses, capital expenditures and working capital. These actions, combined with its initial savings plan of $200 to $250 million, represent a reduction in non-occupancy related overhead expenses of approximately 20 percent. Nordstrom stores continue to be a core part of the business. With stores being temporarily closed since March 17, Nordstrom plans to reopen stores in a phased, market-by-market approach where allowed by local authorities and with the health and safety of employees, customers and communities as a priority. Given this phased approach, the company is shifting its Anniversary Sale event from July into August. Throughout the crisis, Nordstrom continues serving customers through its scaled e-commerce business, representing one-third of 2019 sales, including a robust off-price online business that exceeds $1 billion. While stores are temporarily closed, the Company is generating solid online traffic and conversion and clearing excess inventory through increased marketing and promotional efforts. The Company's store fulfillment capabilities are an important way to leverage inventory and bring greater selection to customers in its markets. Beginning in mid-April, the Company added these capabilities at Nordstrom Rack stores, which enabled store fulfillment throughout Nordstrom's entire fleet of stores. More than half of Nordstrom.com orders are currently fulfilled from full-line stores, and 25 percent of Nordstromrack.com and HauteLook.com orders are now fulfilled by Nordstrom Rack stores. Nordstrom recently launched its dedicated e-commerce site to serve customers in Canada, with all online sales fulfilled from the six full-line stores there. The Company is on track to deliver on its savings plans and continues to pursue further efficiencies across the organization while investing in technology and supply chain capabilities. Additional updates will be provided during its first quarter earnings call.

18:13 EDT Vista Gold receives $2.4M from PT Masmindo Dwi Area - Vista Gold announced receipt of $2.4M from PT Masmindo Dwi Area to exercise its option to cancel 50% of the Awak Mas net smelter return royalty. Management has also scheduled a conference call on May 8 to discuss Q1 financial results and provide a general corporate update. Vista holds an NSR royalty on the Awak Mas project in Indonesia. During 2019, Vista and PT Masmindo amended the original royalty agreement to grant PT Masmindo the right to cancel the NSR royalty held by Vista. Receipt of this payment cancels 50% of the NSR royalty, and PT Masmindo retains the right to cancel the remaining 1.0% NSR royalty on the first 1,250,000 ounces of gold produced and 1.25% NSR royalty on the next 1,250,000 ounces of gold produced for an additional payment of $2.5M by April 30, 2021. If PT Masmindo does not make the $2.5 M payment by April 30, 2021, Vista will retain the remaining royalty interest and can pursue alternative monetization strategies.

17:55 EDT AbbVie acquisition of Allergan gets FTC clearance - AbbVie (ABBV) and Allergan plc (AGN) announced that the U.S. Federal Trade Commission has accepted the proposed consent order in connection with AbbVie's pending acquisition of Allergan. The acceptance by the FTC satisfies all required antitrust clearances needed to be obtained for the acquisition of Allergan by AbbVie. As part of the proposed consent, Allergan has agreed to divest brazikumab, an investigational IL-23 inhibitor in development for autoimmune diseases, to AstraZeneca and Zenpep, a treatment for exocrine pancreatic insufficiency due to cystic fibrosis and other conditions, to Nestle. Nestle also will be acquiring Viokace, another pancreatic enzyme preparation, as part of the same transaction. Additionally, AbbVie and Allergan have amended their Transaction Agreement to provide that only one Allergan Director will join the AbbVie board following close. Allergan's current Chairman and CEO Brent Saunders has elected not to join the AbbVie Board to provide more flexibility to pursue other opportunities in the sector. The closing of the acquisition remains subject to other customary closing conditions set forth in the transaction agreement and Irish High Court approval. A hearing is scheduled for May 6, 2020.

17:35 EDT Raytheon Technologies awarded $325M Navy contract - Raytheon was awarded $325M for a firm-fixed-price contract for the repair of the advanced targeting forward looking infrared system used in support of the F/A-18 aircraft. Work is expected to be complete by May 2025. This is a five-year base period with no option periods. Annual working capital funds in the amount of $54.51M will be obligated at time of award, and funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. One company was solicited for this sole-sourced requirement under authority 10 U.S. Code 2304 and one offer was received. The Naval Supply Systems Command is the contracting activity.

17:16 EDT Acadia Realty Trust is not providing earnings guidance - As previously announced, Acadia withdrew its FY20 guidance due to the economic uncertainty resulting from the COVID-19 Pandemic. The Company is not providing updated 2020 guidance at this time.

17:09 EDT Cheesecake Factory sees reopening certain restaurants as soon as next week - Says had to change how company does business overnight due to COVID-19. Says social distancing policies are set to impact on-premise dining for some time. Says "well-positioned" for a "strong restart." Says has shifted to planning for reopening of dining rooms as some states give guidance on potential reopening. Says plans to reopen certain restaurants as soon as next week. Comments taken from Q1 earnings conference call.

17:09 EDT Disney CFO says will not provide specific guidance for remainder of the year

17:04 EDT Disney confirms to forgo next semi-annual cash dividend - The Walt Disney Company announced that it will forgo payment of a semi-annual cash dividend for the first half of fiscal 2020, given the significant operational and financial disruption caused by COVID-19. The board's action is one of several measures the company has taken in the wake of the pandemic, including reducing capital spending, cutting salaries for senior management, and making the difficult decision to furlough employees. By not issuing a semi-annual dividend, the company will preserve about $1.6B in cash, based on the 88c a share previously paid to shareholders in January.

16:57 EDT Fluor wins U.S. Army Europe's logistics support services contract in Bavaria - Fluor announced that the U.S. Army Europe's 7th Army Training Command awarded the company the Logistics Support Services contract. The contract has a period of performance through May 2025. Fluor will provide logistical support to military units, both U.S. and coalition forces, to include dining facility and food services, tents, heaters, power generation equipment, material handling equipment, and other various services at sites throughout U.S. Army Garrisons Bavaria for training and operations.

16:56 EDT Disney CFO says balance sheet and liquidity remain strong - Says board made decision to forego payment of semi-annual dividend due in July. Says FY20 capex to be down about $900M than prior guidance Comments taken from Q2 earnings conference call.

16:53 EDT Gladstone executes lease extension with Elster Solutions in Raleigh - Gladstone Commercial Corporation announced that it has executed a lease extension with Elster Solutions at its 58,926 square foot office building in Raleigh, North Carolina. The lease extension maintains the property's 100% occupancy. Additionally, Gladstone Commercial and Elster executed an extension at an adjacent manufacturing facility where Elster leases 22,198 square feet, approximately 20% of the space, with the remainder of the building fully leased to another tenant through 2027.The office building was constructed in 1997 and has been continuously occupied since then by Elster, a leading provider of gas, electricity and water meters. The adjacent manufacturing building was constructed in 1994. Elster was acquired by Honeywell International Inc. in 2015.We acquired the office building in 2003 and the adjacent manufacturing building in 2007," stated Buzz Cooper, Senior Managing Director of Gladstone Commercial, "and the lease extensions by Elster re-affirm their commitment to this location." "It has been a pleasure to work with the tenant and we look forward to our continued relationship" remarked Greg Yayac, Asset Manager for Gladstone Commercial. "We achieved a great outcome in extending the tenant in both locations, allowing us to maintain current occupancy."

16:52 EDT Popular processes $1.2B in SBA loans - Popular announced today that, as of May 1, it had processed $1.2B in loans in the two rounds of the Small Business Administration's Paycheck Protection Program. These loans benefit 16,397 small and medium-sized businesses that employ more than 235,000 people. Of the total, $1.06 billion were granted through Banco Popular de Puerto Rico and $185 million through Popular Bank, Popular's banking subsidiary in the United States. The institution indicated that, since the start of the second round of the program on April 27, Banco Popular de Puerto Rico had processed 14,082 applications for $660 million in funds, of which $647 million were originated in Puerto Rico and $13 million in the Virgin Islands. Popular reported that, in Puerto Rico, it has so far processed 15,277 applications for a total of $1.04 billion in funds. These businesses employ more than 227,000 people. Of these, 61% percent have been for less than $25,000 and 31% for amounts between $25,000 and $150,000.

16:50 EDT Disney CEO says 'thrilled' with continued performance of Disney+ - Says had a successful launch of service in Western Europe and in India, quite pleased with progress in past 4 weeks. Says to start rolling out Disney+ in Japan in June.

16:49 EDT Hawaiian Holdings suspends share repurchases, dividend payments - In light of the significant drop in air travel demand due to government travel restrictions, stay-at-home orders and consumer fear of travel due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the company suspended its service to South Korea in late February, suspended its service to Australia and New Zealand in mid-March and then reduced its schedule by 95% in the last week of March due to the State of Hawaii's mandate for 14-day self-quarantine for all incoming and neighbor island travelers. In addition to service suspension and schedule reduction, the company has taken, and will continue to take, actions to minimize cash outflow in an effort to mitigate the effects of declining demand, including, but not limited to: Suspending dividend payments on, and the repurchase of, its common stock; Instituting a hiring freeze across the company, except for operationally critical and essential positions; Deferring non-critical capital expenditures; Instituting voluntary unpaid leave programs; Reducing executive pay by 10% - 50%; Reducing other discretionary spending, including contractor and vendor spend; Negotiating payment deferrals with key vendors. To increase liquidity, the company fully drew down $235 million from its revolving credit facility in March. In addition, the company: Applied for and received funding under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act Payroll Support Program, with an initial tranche of $146.2 million received in April. Applied for the CARES Act Economic Relief Program. Continues to pursue additional financing to be secured by the company's unencumbered assets.

16:47 EDT Western Midstream sees FY20 adjusted EBITDA $1.725B-$1.825B - The company said "Our revised guidance is based on information obtained through direct discussions with a large majority of our customers". FY20 adjusted EBITDA view includes previously announced cost reductions of approximately $75M attributable to estimated operating and maintenance and general and administrative expense cost savings. Sees FY20 total capital expenditures between $450M-$550M, representing a 45% reduction to prior guidance, including costs associated with approximately 15,000 horsepower of compression, over 65 miles of gathering, the completion of the second Latham train during first-quarter 2020, and the addition of two 30 MBbls/d oil-stabilization trains and approximately 120 MBbls/d of saltwater disposal capacity in the Delaware Basin by year-end 2020. 50% distribution decrease from Q4 2019 per-unit distribution of 62.2c The company added, "Our timely and highly successful bond offering earlier this year coupled with our recent 50-percent distribution reduction results in no near-term need to access the capital markets. Although our largely undrawn $2.0B revolver provides us ample liquidity to manage through the current economic downturn, we expect that our FY20 operational and financial performance and distribution reduction will result in the generation of meaningful 2020 Free cash flow after distributions. Our ability to generate near-term Free cash flow after distributions allows us to strengthen our balance sheet through leverage reduction so that we are positioned to be financially flexible and opportunistic as current market conditions abate."

16:46 EDT Hawaiian Holdings sees April capacity down ~94% y/y - Due to the uncertain timing of the relaxation of travel and quarantine restrictions, the company is unable to provide detailed guidance related to capacity expectations for the quarter ending June 30. April 2020 capacity, in terms of available seat miles, is expected to be approximately 94% below the capacity flown in April 2019, and the company expects May 2020 capacity to decrease 91% compared to the same period last year. As a significant portion of the company's costs are fixed, operating expenses are not expected to decline at the same pace as the capacity decline.

16:46 EDT Disney CEO says too early to predict when all operations can resume - Says evaluating cautious and sensible approach on when to reopen the parks. Says approach can include implementation of capacity controls. Plan to re-open Shanghai Disneyland on May 11th. Comments taken from Q2 earnings conference call.

16:45 EDT AWS announces general availability of UltraWarm - Amazon Web Services announced the general availability of UltraWarm for Amazon Elasticsearch Service, a new, highly performant, fully managed, low-cost warm storage tier that provides fast, interactive analytics of log data at one-tenth the cost of existing storage options. Amazon Elasticsearch Service makes it simple to collect, analyze, and visualize machine-generated log data from websites, mobile devices, and sensors. UltraWarm for Amazon Elasticsearch Service gives Elasticsearch customers a warm storage tier that both stores large amounts of data cost-effectively and provides the type of snappy, interactive experience that Elasticsearch customers expect.

16:42 EDT Nevro withdraws previously announced FY20 guidance - Due to the rapidly evolving environment and continued uncertainties resulting from the impact of COVID-19, Nevro withdrew its previously announced annual guidance for 2020 on April 1. Due to the uncertain scope and duration of the pandemic, and the timing of global economic recovery, the Company cannot, at this time, reliably estimate the future impact on its operations and financial results.

16:40 EDT Selective Insurance revises FY20 guidance - For 2020, Selective has revised its full-year guidance to the following: A GAAP combined ratio, excluding catastrophe losses, of between 92% and 93%. This is an increase from our prior guidance of 91.5% and is primarily due to expense ratio pressure from the estimated full-year impact of COVID-19. As always, our combined ratio estimate assumes no additional prior-year development; Catastrophe losses of 4.5 points on the combined ratio, reflecting higher than expected cat losses through April, combined with lower earned premium. Because COVID-19 has not been designated a PCS event, related losses are not included as catastrophe losses; After-tax net investment income of approximately $160 million, down from our prior guidance of $185 million, principally due to an expected change in our full-year after-tax net investment income from alternative investments. We now expect a range of between $10 million and $15 million in after-tax net investment losses from our alternative investments, compared to our prior estimate of a $14 million gain; An overall effective tax rate of approximately 18.5%, which includes an effective tax rate of 18.5% for net investment income, reflecting a tax rate of 5.25% for tax-advantaged municipal bonds and a tax rate of 21% for all other items; and Weighted average shares of 60.5 million on a diluted basis. "Our 2020 guidance reflects the current estimated full-year impact of COVID-19 on our industry and our insurance and investment operations. Given the significant uncertainty surrounding the ultimate duration and severity of the COVID-19 pandemic, the depth and duration of the economic recession and market volatility, and the impact federal, state and local actions, including insurance regulatory directives, can have on our business, significant uncertainty around our full-year guidance exists. Despite all of the COVID-19-related challenges, Selective is well-positioned to provide outstanding service to its customers and distribution partners and to continue to create long-term value for its stakeholders."

16:39 EDT MiMedx appoints William Phelan as Chief Accounting Officer - MiMedx Group announced the appointment of William Phelan as senior VP and Chief Accounting Officer, effective May 1. Phelan has worked with MiMedx in a consultative capacity for nearly two years. Prior to joining MiMedx, Mr. Phelan was a Managing Director for CFGI.

16:36 EDT Cardiovascular Systems sees Q4 operating expense down over 15% - The company states: "Beginning the second week of March and extending through the end of the month, hospitals in the U.S. increasingly focused on the treatment of COVID-19 patients and several states implemented stay-at-home orders. During this period, we witnessed a 25% decrease in procedure volumes compared to the prior year for patients treated with our orbital atherectomy devices. As a result, our domestic revenue was negatively impacted by $10 million to $11 million. We continue to monitor several models that forecast various scenarios regarding the severity and duration of the outbreak. In April 2020, our consolidated revenue decreased 53% compared to the year ago period. We believe there are many factors that may increase or decrease our case load during the remainder of our fiscal fourth quarter, including the easing of social restrictions and government restrictions on elective and semi-elective cases, patient anxiety, availability of personal protection equipment, cath lab and workforce capacity, and sales rep access to hospitals to support cases. In addition, we expect that hospitals and office-based labs will continue to preserve cash and operate with lean inventories. As a consequence, we anticipate that our fourth quarter results will not benefit from large, end-of-fiscal quarter orders, which typically drive higher revenues - particularly in June. With these variables in mind, we have taken actions to reduce our variable spending. Fourth quarter operating expenses are expected to be in a range of $44 million to $46 million, a decrease of more than 15% from the comparable period one year ago."

16:35 EDT PepsiCo declares quarterly dividend of $1.0225 per share - The Board of Directors of PepsiCo declared a quarterly dividend of $1.0225 per share of PepsiCo common stock, a 7% increase versus the comparable year-earlier period. This action is consistent with PepsiCo's previously announced increase in its annualized dividend to $4.09 per share from $3.82 per share, which will begin with the June 2020 payment. This dividend is payable on June 30 to shareholders of record at the close of business on June 5. PepsiCo has paid consecutive quarterly cash dividends since 1965, and 2020 marks the company's 48th consecutive annual dividend increase.

16:33 EDT Healthcare Trust withdraws FY20 earnings guidance - The company said, "Given the current environment, we are formally withdrawing our earnings guidance for 2020. While we continue to expect relatively stable performance from our portfolio, we continue to have uncertainty around acquisitions, capital structure, and the accounting implications of deferral requests which could significantly impact our financials for the Q2 and the remainder of 2020. Although we currently expect to collect all of the rent that we agree to defer, we will review our estimates for bad debt under the new market environment to the extent any rents are not determined to be probable for collection. We do not undertake a duty to update our forward-looking statements. We may, in our sole discretion, provide information in future public announcements regarding our outlook that may be of interest to the investment community."

16:32 EDT Match Group says separation still expected to close in second quarter - "On December 19, 2019, Match Group and IAC entered into a definitive agreement, which was amended on April 28, 2020, providing for the full separation of Match Group from the remaining businesses of IAC. The Separation is still expected to close in the second quarter of 2020, subject to a number of conditions, including the approval by a majority of the aggregate voting power of the outstanding shares of Match Group common stock held by the disinterested stockholders of Match Group and approvals by a majority of the aggregate voting power of the outstanding shares of IAC common stock and IAC Class B common stock, each voting as a separate class," Match Group said.

16:31 EDT LGI Homes reports April home closings of 605 homes - LGI Home announced 605 home closings in April, compared to 612 home closings in April 2019. The company ended the first four months of 2020 with a total of 2,440 home closings, a 32.6% increase over 1,840 home closings during the first four months of 2019. As of the end of April, the company had 115 active selling communities.

16:27 EDT Medifast is not providing FY20 guidance - The Company cannot reasonably estimate the extent and duration of the business and macroeconomic impacts, and related financial impacts to the Company, from the COVID-19 pandemic. The Company intends to update its guidance for FY20 when it can reasonably estimate the impact.

16:26 EDT Cheesecake Factory suspends new unit development - The company has suspended new unit development until more clarity on the restaurant industry operating environment emerges, Cheesecake Factory said.

16:22 EDT 180 Degree Capital closes sale one of its privately held life science company - "While the first quarter was challenging amidst the backdrop of the COVID-19 pandemic, we are excited to share some material developments in Q2 2020 with our shareholders," said Kevin M. Rendino, Chief Executive Officer of 180. "The closing of the sale of one of our privately held life science portfolio companies will be a very meaningful event for TURN and its shareholders. Following the close, the combination of the upfront payment, the escrow, and the fair value of the potential future milestone payments will have a material and positive impact on net asset value per share in the second quarter of 2020. We are also excited to have been selected by a pension fund to manage $25 million of capital alongside 180's permanent capital. This announcement marks our first big win in our efforts to manage additional capital, but we are determined to not have it be our last. We will continue to build our asset base for those that want to invest in our strategy. In addition to these two material events, our public portfolio rebounded in April 2020 from a tough Q1 2020, rising in value by 18.9%. Q2 2020 at 180 is off to a sensational start."

16:21 EDT CalAmp is not providing FY21 guidance - "With the timing, magnitude and duration of the worldwide COVID-19 pandemic virtually impossible to fully ascertain at the present time, we have decided not to provide guidance for the fiscal 2021 first quarter," said Kurt Binder, CalAmp's executive vice president and CFO. "With the global work-from-home mandates and the limited access to labor in Malaysia and Mexico, we are seeing a broad impact across our global supply chain that is in turn creating delivery and scheduling challenges for installations. Additionally, visibility into customer demand remains uncertain, especially for end markets such as automotive with a number of dealerships closed throughout the United States and an even more acute impact to those customers in Italy and other areas of Europe. Overall, our team is doing an effective job proactively addressing and managing all of these factors in order to help mitigate the impact to our business. Although we hope to return to providing quarterly guidance as conditions and visibility improve, the current global situation prevents us from accurately doing so at this time."

16:19 EDT Devon Energy lowers FY20 G&A - The company is lowering its 2020 expense outlook by $250 million to $1.65 billion. The improved cost structure is driven by expectations of lower production costs across Devon's portfolio coupled with reductions in G&A expenses. The reduction in G&A includes an expected decrease in executive cash compensation of approximately 40 percent compared to 2019.

16:17 EDT Nutanix withdraws FY20 guidance - Duston Williams, CFO, says: "While we have continued to see steady demand for our hybrid cloud solutions, there is a significant level of uncertainty regarding the ongoing impact of COVID-19 on our customers and end markets over the coming quarters. As we said we would in our last earnings call, we have been proactively and prudently managing expenses to help ensure the long-term health of our business during this pandemic. In addition, as a result of these uncertainties we are withdrawing our guidance for fiscal 2020, which we provided on February 26, 2020, as well as our business model targets for calendar 2021, which we discussed during our Investor Day in March 2019 and which included, among other things, a target for achieving $3 billion in TCV billings."

16:15 EDT Matson withdraws its FY20 guidance - Matson withdrew its full year 2020 outlook on April 6, 2020 due to the increasing economic uncertainties regarding the COVID-19 pandemic. "Matson's businesses performed well in the first quarter. However, much of the quarter occurred prior to seeing most of the impacts from the evolving COVID-19 situation. Our China service returned to normal volume levels in March, slightly ahead of our expectation, and we saw relatively steady volume in our Hawaii, Alaska and Guam tradelanes as consumers bought essential goods and home food. But we also faced challenges at SSAT and in our Logistics business segment due to the COVID-19 situation."

16:13 EDT Planet Fitness is not providing FY20 guidance - For the year ending December 31 the Company previously withdrew guidance as a result of uncertainty due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The Company is not providing an update at this time.

16:10 EDT Disney CEO 'confident in ability to withstand' COVID-19 disruption - "While the COVID-19 pandemic has had an appreciable financial impact on a number of our businesses, we are confident in our ability to withstand this disruption and emerge from it in a strong position. Disney has repeatedly shown that it is exceptionally resilient, bolstered by the quality of our storytelling and the strong affinity consumers have for our brands, which is evident in the extraordinary response to Disney+ since its launch last November," said Bob Chapek, CEO of The Walt Disney Company.

16:07 EDT Shiloh Industries names Cloyd Abruzzo interim CEO - Shiloh Industries announced that the board has appointed Cloyd J. Abruzzo, as the company's Interim Chief Executive Officer effective immediately. Mr. Abruzzo, the retired Chief Executive Officer of Stoneridge has over 25 years of experience in the automotive industry and has served as a member of Shiloh's Board of Directors since 2004. Ramzi Y. Hermiz, Shiloh's Chief Executive Officer since August 2012, has resigned from the Company to pursue other professional interests. Mr. Hermiz has also resigned from his position on the Board. The Board expects to retain an executive search firm to assist in a search for a permanent CEO. The search will focus on individuals who have operating experience within the automotive industry.

16:05 EDT Cerus backs FY20 product revenue view of $89M-$93M - The company expects 2020 product revenue to be in the range of $89 million to $93 million, unchanged from the prior guidance originally provided on January 13, 2020. The guidance range represents approximately 20% to 25% growth compared to 2019 reported product revenue.

15:38 EDT Humana waives out-of-pocket office visit costs for Medicare Advantage members - Earlier, Humana announced additional actions "to help protect, inform and care for" its nearly 4.5 million Medicare Advantage members. Humana is now waiving all cost sharing-including copays, coinsurance, and deductibles-for in-network primary care, behavioral health and telehealth visits for the remainder of the calendar year for Medicare Advantage members. "The company is also proactively delivering safety kits to members' homes, allowing them to access essential healthcare services safely and affordably," Humana said. These expanded cost share waivers are effective as of May 1 and will remain in place through the end of 2020. "Members are encouraged to respect local shelter-in-place orders but when states begin to transition, this change will help ease any financial burden of seeing their doctor in person or continuing to use telehealth," Humana said.

15:06 EDT ResMed accelerates release of ventilator telemonitoring platform amid COVID-19 - Earlier on Tuesday, ResMed announced it had launched cloud-based remote monitoring software for ventilators and Lumis bilevel devices across Europe, via its AirView platform. With AirView, clinicians and care providers can remotely monitor their patients' respiratory rate and SpO21, or blood oxygen saturation, two key indicators that should be monitored to track changes in a respiratory patient's condition. The digital health platform can work via a connectivity module with any Stellar or Astral ventilator in Europe. Lumis bilevel devices have a built-in cellular connection to AirView. Amidst the COVID-19 crisis, there are many other patients who rely on ResMed ventilators every day to assist their breathing. A large number of these patients require regular check-ups and support from hospitals, physicians, and homecare providers. To protect patients and medical staff as well as increase the capacity of the health system, innovations such as telehealth and telemonitoring have become critical services. "As a result of the current crisis, we accelerated the development and release of these new features by several months," said Odile Bigaignon, ResMed's European vice president of Respiratory Care Marketing. "Through remote telemonitoring, we want to help clinicians and care providers maintain their quality of care for patients that they cannot physically see during this crisis, as well as to provide an additional layer of safety for both provider and patient by helping them to maintain social distancing."

15:00 EDT Tivity Health jumps 13% after report of acquisition interest - In afternoon trading, Tivity shares are up $1.08, or 12.8%, to $9.52.

14:16 EDT ESPN2 to broadcast live NBA 2K League games - ESPN (DIS) and the NBA 2K League (TTWO), the first official esports league operated by a U.S. professional sports league, announced an agreement for ESPN networks to air live NBA 2K League matches throughout the 2020 season. ESPN2 will air NBA 2K League matches on Tuesdays at 7 p.m. ET through May 19. Matches on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays will air at 7 p.m. ET on the ESPN app and ESPN.com throughout the season. ESPN telecast and streaming details for matches beginning May 26 will be announced at a later date. NBA 2K League matches on ESPN2 will mark the first-ever linear telecast of NBA 2K League games in the U.S. Every NBA 2K League match on ESPN's platforms will also air live in the Caribbean, Latin America, Oceania and Sub-Saharan Africa on ESPN2 or on one of ESPN's digital platforms. Reference Link

13:43 EDT Estee Lauder's Becca Cosmetics recalls Light Shifter Brightening Concealer - Becca Cosmetics is voluntarily recalling all shades of its Light Shifter Brightening Concealer because a brownish-black material identified as a common household mold was found on the sponge-tip applicator of some units. While this is unlikely to cause serious injury there is a potential risk of temporary skin and/or eye allergy and irritation. To date, no adverse reactions or injuries have been reported. This recall is being conducted with the knowledge of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

13:27 EDT SunPower advances almost 6% after partnering with Technology Credit Union - Earlier on Tuesday, Tech CU or technology Credit Union announced it will provide $1B in financing for residential solar loans via a partnership with SunPower, a sustainable energy company that provides customers with complete solar solutions and services."We have enjoyed unprecedented success as one of the first lenders to partner with third party finance providers in this space, and are thrilled to add SunPower, a premium solar equipment manufacturer and solution provider, to our growing list of solar funding partners," said Todd Harris, CEO of Tech CU. "The combination of solar energy solutions coupled with finance solutions from providers like SunPower have made a huge difference in terms of making financing and acquiring solar loan systems easier and more mainstream. As a leader in solar financing, we are committed to continuing our support to finance solution providers in the solar and green energy space, and we are working on additional projects that will help us expand our loan capacity even more in the future." "Through our new partnership with Tech CU, we're broadening our reach, as well as providing streamlined, efficient financing," said Norm Taffe, executive vice president of North American Channels. "This is consistent with SunPower's efforts to constantly bring the best solar products, solutions and services to our customers." Shares of SunPower are currently off earlier highs, up 3.6% or 26c to $7.38 per share in afternoon trading.

13:20 EDT Lufthansa shareholders vote to not distribute EUR298M as dividend for 2019 - Lufthansa said that, by a large majority, its shareholders voted at its Annual General Meeting to discharge the members of the Executive Board and the Supervisory Board from their responsibility for the conduct of business in 2019 by sizeable majorities. The shareholders approved the proposal of the Board of Management and Supervisory Board to use the net retained profits for the 2019 financial year of EUR298M in full to transfer them to other revenue reserves and not to distribute them as a dividend. At the same time, the shareholders elected Astrid Stange, Erich Clementi, Dr. Thomas Enders and Harald Kruger to the Supervisory Board. Supervisory Board members Martina Merz, Herbert Hainer, Michael Nilles and Matthias Wissmann had resigned from their Supervisory Board mandates with effect from the end of today's Annual General Meeting. Stephan Sturm was also re-elected to the Supervisory Board. The change to the remuneration system for the Management Board with retroactive effect from 1 January 2020, as resolved by the Supervisory Board, was also accepted by the majority of shareholders.

13:16 EDT Facebook removes 8 networks of accounts, Pages, Groups in April 2020 - Facebook said in a blog post that it removed eight networks of accounts, Pages and Groups in April 2020. Two of them - from Russia and Iran - focused internationally, and the remaining six - in the US, Georgia, Myanmar and Mauritania - targeted domestic audiences in their respective countries. "We know that people looking to mislead others - whether through phishing, scams, or influence operations - try to leverage crises to advance their goals, and the coronavirus pandemic is no different," the company said. "All of the networks we took down for CIB in April were created before the COVID-19 pandemic began, however, we've seen people behind these campaigns opportunistically use coronavirus-related posts among many other topics to build an audience and drive people to their Pages or off-platform sites. The majority of the networks we took down this month were still trying to grow their audience or had a large portion of engagement on their Pages generated by their own accounts." In Russia, the company removed 46 Pages, 91 Facebook accounts, 2 Groups, and 1 Instagram account. In Iran, it removed 118 Pages, 389 Facebook accounts, 27 Groups, and 6 Instagram accounts. In the U.S., it removed 5 Pages, 20 Facebook accounts, and 6 Groups that originated in the US and focused domestically. The company noted that its investigation on the Iran pages linked this activity to the Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting Corporation. Reference Link

13:04 EDT IBM launches free workplace learning platform Open P-TECH globally amid COVID-19 - IBM announced the launch of Open P-TECH, "a free digital education platform focused on workplace learning and digital skills. The platform, building on the industry leading P-TECH program, equips 14-20-year old learners and educators with foundational technology competencies. Training in technologies such as AI, cloud computing and cybersecurity, along with professional skills, like Design Thinking, that are highly valued in the market set Open P-TECH apart. It offers content in English, Portuguese and Spanish. Ginni Rometty, IBM Executive Chairman, will discuss the platform as part of a broader discussion on the future of education, skills development and the digital workforce in the post-COVID-19 era as part of the Think Digital conference on May 5 at 1pm ET and 9pm ET, register here to attend. She will be joined by musician, businessman, and philanthropist will.i.am, Founder and CEO of I.AM+.," said the company in a statement. "As the pandemic accelerates digital transformation, new ways of learning must keep pace if we are to equip all young people with skills relevant to the digital era and marketplace," said Ginni Rometty, IBM Executive Chairman. "On the one hand, this is a massive challenge; on the other, this presents a great opportunity to better prepare people for new collar careers. Open P-TECH is a free platform designed to provide relevant workplace skills to anyone in the world so they can be successful in this digital era."

12:18 EDT iFresh regains compliance with Nasdaq listing rules - iFresh announced that the Company received a written notice from the Listing Qualifications Staff of The Nasdaq Stock Market LLC on May 4, 2020, indicating that the Company has regained compliance with Nasdaq's continued listing requirements and that its common stock will continue to be listed on Nasdaq Stock Market.

12:02 EDT Apple to host Worldwide Developers Conference virtually - Apple announced it will host its annual Worldwide Developers Conference virtually, beginning June 22. "WWDC20 will be our biggest yet, bringing together our global developer community of more than 23 million in an unprecedented way for a week in June to learn about the future of Apple platforms," said Phil Schiller, Apple's senior vice president of Worldwide Marketing. "We can't wait to meet online in June with the global developer community and share with them all of the new tools we've been working on to help them create even more incredible apps and services. We look forward to sharing more details about WWDC20 with everyone as we get closer to this exciting event."

12:01 EDT Norwegian Cruise Line falls -17.2% - Norwegian Cruise Line is down -17.2%, or -$2.48 to $11.96.

12:00 EDT Diebold rises 22.7% - Diebold is up 22.7%, or $1.00 to $5.40.

12:00 EDT Chegg rises 30.0% - Chegg is up 30.0%, or $13.14 to $56.93.

11:17 EDT Henry Schein sees restaurants competing for PPE supplies used by dental offices - Henry Schein sees restaurants and other businesses open to public groups to have great demand for personal protective equipment products, such as gloves and masks, that are also used by dental and medical offices. While they will need different types of products, there will be competition for PPE products in general as businesses begin to reopen, company executives said during the Q&A portion of its earnings call.

11:09 EDT Most Walgreens stores to resume standard operating hours - Most Walgreens stores nationwide will resume standard operating hours. The company continues to evaluate and adjust certain operations and offerings to meet the needs of its customers during the pandemic. Certain stores, specifically those located in tourist regions, downtown city centers, or markets with government-mandated curfews, will continue operating under the adjusted hours implemented in March. California stores will resume standard operating hours beginning May 18 due to local regulations. Customers can visit the store locator for specific Walgreens store and pharmacy hours. Ongoing cleaning and sanitizing will also continue to take place during operating hours. Walgreens continues to institute safety measures for employees and customers inside stores, including enhanced cleaning regimens, social distancing protocols, plexiglass shields, hygiene guidance, face covers, and providing wipes at the front of stores to clean shopping carts and baskets.

11:03 EDT Henry Schein says dental practice sales down 70%-80% quarter-to-date - Henry Schein (HSIC) executives said dental practice sales have been down 70%-80% quarter-to-date. Henry Schein sees more consolidation as likely among U.S. dental practices in the wake of the COVID-19 crisis, continuing the trend of solo offices consolidating to mid-size and mid-sized practices consolidating into larger ones. Executives continue to speak on the company's earnings conference call. Patterson Companies (PDCO) and Dentsply Sirona (XRAY) are competing distributors in the dental supplies and equipment space.

11:02 EDT General Electric: COVID-19 effect on Renewables unit 'limited so far'

11:01 EDT General Electric committed to debt reduction plan, Culp says - Comments taken from GE's annual shareholder's meeting.

10:38 EDT Sysco doesn't plan to ask for government bailout money

10:15 EDT China Rapid Finance trading halted, news pending

10:06 EDT Sysco: Business declined significantly as soon as SIP orders put into place

10:03 EDT Cboe reports ADV across four options exchanges up 47% year-over-year in April - Cboe Global Markets reported April monthly trading volume. Each of Cboe's four options exchanges posted gains in average daily volume, or ADV, over April 2019, the company noted. Cboe Options Exchange was up 20%, C2 was up 39%, Cboe BZX was up 104% and Cboe EDGX was up 130%, with total options contracts ADV up 46.7% compared to the same month of last year. S&P 500 Index options ADV was up 5.7% over April 2019 and U.S. Equities total ADV across Cboe's four equities exchanges was up 99% over year ago, the company added.

10:00 EDT Ardmore Shipping falls -16.7% - Ardmore Shipping is down -16.7%, or -$1.14 to $5.68.

10:00 EDT Textainer rises 23.5% - Textainer is up 23.5%, or $1.85 to $9.72.

10:00 EDT Wayfair rises 31.6% - Wayfair is up 31.6%, or $42.34 to $176.45.

09:47 EDT LightPath patent for cost-effective IR imaging lenses posted by USPTO - A patent assigned to LightPath for a "novel and improved design pattern/method of a cost effective lens" for thermal imaging lenses was posted to the site of the USPTO. Reference Link

09:47 EDT Compass Diversified falls -11.4% - Compass Diversified is down -11.4%, or -$2.16 to $16.77.

09:47 EDT VelocityShares 3x Long Natural Gas ETN rises 17.3% - VelocityShares 3x Long Natural Gas ETN is up 17.3%, or $5.34 to $36.26.

09:47 EDT Wayfair rises 30.2% - Wayfair is up 30.2%, or $40.45 to $174.56.

09:40 EDT AMC Networks trading resumes

09:35 EDT AMC Networks trading halted, volatility trading pause

09:32 EDT Centogene announces global expansion of COVID-19 testing - CENTOGENE announced it will expand its testing efforts for the novel coronavirus, or COVID-19. The Company was previously testing in Germany's Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania region, and will now be offering its extensively validated SARS-CoV-2 RT-PCR testing to the rest of the world. This announcement comes as one of the Company's latest initiatives to support the earliest possible diagnosis of COVID-19 and prevent a further outbreak.

09:30 EDT ArcBest trading halted, volatility trading pause

09:22 EDT ClearOne announces defeat of Shure's motion for temporary restraining order - ClearOne comments on the Report and Recommendation issued by the Honorable Christopher J. Burke of the U.S. District Court of Delaware recommending the denial of Shure Incorporated's emergency motion for a temporary restraining order to stop the sale of ClearOne's innovative Huddle-compatible Ceiling Tile Beamforming Array products. In November 2019, ClearOne announced its COLLABORATE Versa Pro CT product offering, which combines the BMA CTH with the CONVERGE Huddle audio DSP to provide superior functionality and audio quality for small- to medium-sized rooms. ClearOne began selling this product offering in December 2019. Then, in February 2020, ClearOne announced the COLLABORATE Versa Room CT and Versa Lite CT product offerings, which also include the BMA CTH and require no external DSP. ClearOne anticipates sales of these product offerings to begin later this quarter. On April 14, during a worldwide pandemic, Shure filed an emergency Motion to stop ongoing and future sales of ClearOne's BMA CTH products. Shure's Motion asserted baseless design patent infringement claims against ClearOne's innovative BMA CTH products and argued that Shure will be irreparably harmed by having to compete with those products. Judge Burke swiftly rejected Shure's Motion, holding that Shure had failed to show that it would suffer irreparable harm in the absence of injunctive relief and that ClearOne had raised a "substantial question" as to the validity of the patent Shure asserts against ClearOne, D865,723. In August 2019, Judge Edmond E. Chang of the U.S. District Court of the Northern District of Illinois granted ClearOne's request for a preliminarily injunction (preventing Shure from "manufacturing, marketing, and selling" the original MXA910 for use "in its drop-ceiling mounting configuration." Then, in February 2020, ClearOne filed a motion for contempt against Shure for selling its MXA910W-A, which infringes ClearOne's U.S. Patent No. 9,813,806 and violates the PI Order. Separately, the Federal Circuit in March 2020 confirmed the patentability of all claims of ClearOne's U.S. Patent No. 9,264,553 over Shure's appeal, and ClearOne's claim against Shure for infringement of that patent remains pending. Shure's motion for a preliminary injunction relating to the BMA CT and BMA CTH is still pending before the Court. Judge Burke's ruling, which Shure can file an objection to by May 8, only addressed Shure's request for a Temporary Restraining Order. However, ClearOne remains confident that the Court will reject Shure's PI Motion and that ClearOne will defeat Shure's claims in the Delaware action.

09:17 EDT Flexion announces virtual poster presentations for FX201 - Flexion Therapeutics will present positive data from two studies of FX201, an investigational gene therapy for osteoarthritis, at the American Society of Gene and Cell Therapy Annual Meeting taking place virtually May 12-15, 2020. The abstracts were published in the May supplement of Molecular Therapy. Establishing the Efficacy, Safety, and Biodistribution of FX201, a Helper-Dependent Adenoviral Gene Therapy for the Treatment of Osteoarthritis, in a Rat Model: Flexion assessed the efficacy of HDAd-rat-IL-1Ra, the rat surrogate of FX201, in a rodent surgical model of OA. Efficacy was assessed after a single intra-articular administration one week post-surgery via histopathology at Week 12 using a semi-quantitative microscopic grading system for OA-related cartilage, synovium, and bone changes. In addition, two Good Laboratory Practice studies were performed in a rodent model of OA to evaluate the safety and biodistribution of FX201 and the rat surrogate administered four weeks post-surgery. Key study findings include: HDAd-rat-IL-1Ra demonstrated a dose-dependent decrease in OARSI composite scores in rats compared with placebo at 12 weeks post-surgery; HDAd-rat-IL-1Ra had no adverse effects on mortality, body weight, food consumption, laboratory values or tissue assessments in rats at any dose evaluated; FX201 rat surrogate and FX201 vector genomes persisted for at least 92 days in the injected joint and proximal tissues without evidence of vector spreading via circulation. Development of a Highly Productive and Reproducible Manufacturing Process for FX201, a Novel Helper-Dependent Adenovirus-Based Gene Therapy for Osteoarthritis: Using a fit-for-purpose manufacturing process suitable for early development, Flexion successfully produced four batches of drug substance, which will enable GLP toxicology, pharmacology, and GMP clinical studies. Key findings include: Across three batches of FX201 and one batch of FX201 rat surrogate, the batch productivity and yields were consistent and met acceptable quality attributes for the intended use in toxicology, pharmacology, and clinical studies; Human IL-1Ra expression was tested using a cell-based assay for three batches of FX201 and demonstrated consistent levels of expression; A single GMP batch of drug substance yielded sufficient drug product for a Phase 1 study evaluating safety and tolerability of a 100-fold dose range of total genome copy number in up to 24 patients; and A capable manufacturing process has been established that should support the FX201 gene therapy program through to proof-of-concept.

09:15 EDT Costco Auto Program announces Honda limited-time special - Costco Auto Program (COST) and American Honda Motor (HMC) have come together to provide added value to Costco members for dependable transportation needs. The exclusive member-only incentive, managed by Affinity Auto Program, features two popular family vehicles. The 2020 Honda Odyssey, the most-requested minivan through Costco Auto Program, is a Kelley Blue Book's KBB.com Best Buy. The second vehicle is one of Costco Auto Program's most-requested midsize SUVs, the 2020 Honda Pilot. The program runs April 9 through July 6, 2020. Eligible Costco members who register at CostcoAuto.com/Specials and purchase or lease a 2019, 2020 or 2021 Honda Pilot or Honda Odyssey will receive a $500 Costco Shop Card as well as compatible Honda incentives for which they qualify. To help prevent the spread of the coronavirus and encourage social distancing, and in some cases due to dealership showroom closures, Honda dealerships are taking precautionary measures to protect both customers and employees, including extra sanitization efforts, online or telephone purchases, contactless transactions and delivery or pickup options. Costco Auto Program encourages Costco members to contact their dealer of choice in advance to minimize personal contact.

09:11 EDT Rafael enters collaboration with Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center - Rafael Pharmaceuticals announced that it has entered into a research collaboration with Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center. Through this collaboration, researchers will evaluate the effects of CPI-613 with or without chemotherapy agents, including oxaliplatin/cisplatin/5-FU/carboplatin/taxol, on esophageal cancer cells. Rafael has several active clinical trials focusing on cancers in the gastrointestinal tract. Its Phase 3 clinical trial in metastatic pancreatic cancer is enrolling significantly ahead of schedule, with more than 80% of the patients needed for the trial already enrolled. The company also has Phase 1 and 2 clinical trials in pancreatic cancer, as well as a Phase 1 trial in colorectal cancer. Collaborative clinical trials in patients are planned after the initial analyses are completed.

09:09 EDT Talend enters strategic partnership with HVR - HVR announced a strategic partnership with Talend allowing customers to integrate their data for a complete view of business operations and analytics. HVR's low-latency CDC technology complements Talend's integration technology with a replicated data set. The company said this provides an ideal starting point for extraction to a variety of heterogeneous data sources, including data lakes and data warehouses, as well as streaming and cloud-based platforms. With a combined HVR and Talend solution, customers can benefit from transactionally consistent data, in near real-time, transformed and ready for consumption by business users, analytical applications, and machine learning algorithms.

09:08 EDT Dolphin Entertainment acquires rights to Special Delivery screenplay - Dolphin Entertainment announced it has acquired the rights to Special Delivery, an original screenplay written by Brian Hurwitz, and has attached Vaughn Stein to direct. Emerson Davis, Dolphin's Vice-President of Development and Production, is handling development of the project and will oversee production.

09:06 EDT Wayfair sees total opex headcount flat-to-down for 2020

09:06 EDT Wayfair sees Q2 CapEx roughly flat with Q1

09:05 EDT Genius Brands' Rainbow Rangers toys to debut at Walmart stores - Genius Brands International (GNUS) announced that its Master Toy Partner, Mattel (MAT), will debut the first toy line at Walmart (WMT) stores for the original preschool brand, Rainbow Rangers.

09:04 EDT Guidewire announces Loveland Innovations as solution partner - Guidewire announced that Loveland Innovations has joined Guidewire PartnerConnect as a solution partner. Founded in 2015, Loveland Innovations is a company of artificial intelligence, or AI, experts, data scientists, and insurance industry professionals that develop large-scale data capture and AI-powered analytics solutions, giving insurers new ways to gather, analyze, and act on property claim data. As a PartnerConnect solution partner, Loveland Innovations plans to integrate their inspection platform, IMGING, with Guidewire ClaimCenter. IMGING leverages smart devices, automated drones, computer vision, and machine learning to fully digitize any property or structure allowing adjusters to easily explore, measure and detect property damage through their industry leading AI.

09:03 EDT Amgen: KYPROLIS patents upheld against generic manufacturer - Amgen announced that the U.S. District Court in Delaware issued a decision upholding the validity of patent claims from three patents that protect Amgen's multiple myeloma therapy KYPROLIS. This decision will prevent Cipla Limited, and Cipla USA from making, using, selling, offering to sell, or importing its generic version of KYPROLIS until expiration of these three U.S. patents. The latest patent expiry is in December 2027. Onyx Therapeutics, an indirect, wholly-owned subsidiary of Amgen, brought a patent infringement suit against Cipla in 2016. The decision comes after the Delaware court held a bench trial in May 2019. Prior to trial, Cipla acknowledged that its generic product would infringe all of the asserted claims, leaving only the issue of validity of the asserted patents to be addressed by the court. KYPROLIS is approved for the treatment of patients with relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma who previously received one to three lines of other therapy. KYPROLIS is also indicated in combination with dexamethasone or with lenalidomide plus dexamethasone. Three patents that are the subject of the decision are: U.S. Patent No. 7,417,042, U.S. Patent No. 7,737,112 and U.S. Patent No. 8,207,125.

09:02 EDT Golar LNG Partners says bondholder's meeting approves bond terms amendment - Golar LNG Partners announced that holders of the Partnership's Senior Unsecured Bond Issues maturing May 2020 and May 2021 have approved the Amendment Proposal as set out in the attachment to the press release dated April 17, 2020. The Amendment Proposal includes certain amendments to the terms of the Bond Issues including 18 month extensions to the original maturity dates for each of the Bond Issues.

09:00 EDT Green Plains to supply Xerox with FDA approved FCC grade alcohol - In response to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, Green Plains Inc. (GPRE) is supplying FDA approved, FCC grade alcohol to Xerox Holdings Corporation (XRX) for use in their production of a new line of hospital grade hand sanitizers as both companies work to curb the spread of COVID-19 nationally. The FCC Grade alcohol manufactured at Green Plains, York is distilled specifically for the production of cleaning products and disinfectants and is higher in purity and quality than traditional fuel grade ethanol. Green Plains does not sell any fuel grade alcohol for use in disinfectants or sanitizers.

08:58 EDT Norwegian Cruise proposes $650M note sale, lists going concern as risk - In a press release proposing to sell $650M aggregate principal amount of its exchangeable senior notes due 2024, NCL Corporation, a subsidiary of Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings, lists risks and uncertainties. These included, "COVID-19 on our financial condition and operations, which adversely affects our ability to obtain acceptable financing in an amount equal to the resulting reduction in cash from operations, and the current, and uncertain future, other impacts of the COVID-19 outbreak, including its effect on the ability or desire of people to travel (including on cruises), which are expected to continue to adversely impact our results, operations, outlook, plans, goals, growth, reputation, cash flows, liquidity, demand for voyages and share price," as well as, "our ability to raise sufficient capital and/or take other actions to improve our liquidity position or otherwise meet our liquidity requirements that are sufficient to eliminate the substantial doubt about our ability to continue as a going concern."

08:52 EDT NCL Corporation announces $400M investment by L Catterton - NCL Corporation, a subsidiary of Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings, announced a private placement of up to $400 million in aggregate principal amount of exchangeable senior notes due 2026 to an affiliate of L Catterton. The Private Exchangeable Notes will be general senior unsecured obligations of NCLC, guaranteed by NCLH, and will be exchangeable at the holder's option at any time prior to the close of business on the business day immediately preceding the maturity date into Series A Preference Shares of NCLC, which shall be automatically exchangeable into a number of ordinary shares of NCLH. Material Terms: The Private Exchangeable Notes will accrue payment-in-kind interest at a rate of 7.0% per annum for the first year post-issuance, 4.5% per annum payment-in-kind interest plus 3.0% per annum cash interest for the following four years post issuance and 7.5% in cash for the final year prior to maturity; L Catterton will be entitled to nominate one member to the Company's board of directors so long as a minimum ownership threshold is met, as well as one observer to the Company's board of directors; The closing of the Private Exchangeable Notes is expected to occur upon the satisfaction of certain customary closing conditions, including a condition that the Company raises at least $1.0 billion in proceeds in the aggregate from other offerings; L Catterton will have certain registration rights in respect of the ordinary shares underlying the Private Exchangeable Notes and will be subject to certain customary transfer, voting and standstill restrictions, including a one-year lock-up agreement.

08:48 EDT CanWel Building Materials changes venue for Annual General Meeting - CanWel Building Materials Group announced that due to the public health impact of the coronavirus outbreak, the location of its Annual General Meeting of Shareholders, to be held on Thursday, May 14, 2020 at 1:00 p.m. PT, has been changed to the Company's head office at 1600 - 1100 Melville Street, Vancouver, British Columbia.

08:47 EDT Baxter raises quarterly dividend to 24.5c per share from 22c per share - Baxter announced an increase in the company's quarterly cash dividend to a rate of 24.5c per share of common stock. This represents an approximately 11% increase over the previous quarterly dividend rate of 22c per share. Baxter's board declared the dividend payable on July 1, to stockholders of record as of June 5. The indicated annual dividend rate is now 98c per share of common stock.

08:46 EDT AzurRx BioPharma receives approx. $721,000 for 2019 CIR - AzurRx BioPharma announced AzurRx SAS, its wholly-owned subsidiary in France, has received approximately 661,000 Euros for its 2019 CIR. This marks the third CIR payment AzurRx SAS has received in 2020. Since March including the 2019 CIR, the Company has received approximately $2.52 million in non-dilutive funding in research tax credits from the French government. The French R&D tax credit initiative gives eligible research-based French companies, which are subject to corporate tax in France, the ability to claim tax relief of up to 30% on costs incurred in R&D activities in France and the European Union. The CIR has previously been used to fund AzurRx's ongoing MS1819 clinical trials in Europe, including its Phase 2 Combination therapy study in Cystic Fibrosis.

08:44 EDT Wayfair: Too many variables to offer more specific guidance

08:43 EDT Expeditors reports Q1 Customs brokerage and other services sales $699.4M

08:42 EDT Motus GI Holdings announces patent for Pure-Vu System's sensing technology - Motus GI Holdings announced that the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office has issued patent No. 10646108 titled "Ancillary vacuum module usable with an endoscope", which protects the Company's flagship product - the Pure-Vu System. The patent covers the integration of Motus GI's proprietary sensing technology and enhanced suction systems with a colonoscope's working channel. The Pure-Vu System is cleared by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to help facilitate the cleaning of a poorly prepared colon during the colonoscopy procedure. The device integrates with standard and slim colonoscopes to improve visualization during a colonoscopy while preserving established procedural workflow by irrigating the colon and evacuating debris to provide a better-quality exam. Challenges with bowel preparation for inpatient colonoscopy, particularly patients who are elderly, with comorbidities, or active bleeds, represent a significant area of unmet need that directly affects clinical outcomes and increases the cost of care. Motus GI believes the Pure-Vu System may lead to positive outcomes and lower costs for hospitals by safely and quickly improving visualization of the colon, which we believe may lead to a quality exam the first time. In multiple clinical studies to date, involving the treatment of challenging inpatient and outpatient cases, the Pure-Vu System has consistently helped achieve adequate bowel cleanliness rates greater than 95% following a reduced prep regimen. Motus GI estimates that approximately four million inpatient colonoscopy procedures take place worldwide each year.

08:40 EDT Wayfair: Quarter-to-date gross revenue growth y/y trending at roughly 90%

08:39 EDT Great Lakes Dredge says Q1 domestic bid market was lower than prior year - The company said, "During this unprecedented crisis that now faces our country, the dredging industry continues to operate and work on critical and essential infrastructure projects. These projects include continued port deepening projects, as well as coastal protection and restoration projects. Dredging has been specifically listed in the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's "Advisory Memorandum on Identification of Essential Critical Infrastructure Workers During COVID-19 Response", dated March 28, 2020. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers oversees the majority of these infrastructure projects and in this capacity has continued to tender bids and prioritize all types of dredging including port maintenance and expansion and coastal protection projects that are necessary to avoid potential storm damage during the upcoming hurricane season. GLDD is committed to maintaining the health and safety of our team members and an Incident and Injury Free safety management program across the Company and this value-based approach enabled us to respond quickly and effectively to the COVID-19 pandemic. As such, our Oak Brook office staff have effectively transitioned to a remote working environment to follow the recommended physical and social distancing guidelines. Further as it relates to our job sites and vessel crews, we have reviewed and strengthened our safety procedures and adhere to CDC guidelines while also remaining focused on the successful execution and completion of projects that are critical to maintaining and deepening the Nation's maritime infrastructure and protecting our coastlines from the upcoming hurricane season. As expected, during the first quarter of 2020, the domestic bid market was lower than the prior year with only $216 million in total project bids of which Great Lakes won $72 million during the quarter, comprised of capital dredging, coastal protection and maintenance projects. Despite the low first quarter bid market, we have seen support for the dredging industry in the CARES Act which includes a provision that lifts caps on the Harbor Maintenance Trust Fund, thereby allowing full access to future annual revenues to be used for their intended purpose of dredging our nation's ports and harbors. Projects coming into the market pipeline include additional phases of Charleston, Jacksonville and Corpus Christi deepenings, as well new deepenings for ports in Mobile, Alabama and the Everglades in Florida."

08:36 EDT Durect returns funds received under Paycheck Protection Program - Durect disclosed that in connection with new guidance issued by the United States Treasury Department and the U.S. Small Business Administration on April 23, it returned all funds it previously received under the Paycheck Protection Program established under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act. The funds were received on April 20. The company said, "In light of the New Guidance which includes a presumption that essentially no publicly traded companies are eligible for a PPP loan, DURECT voluntarily returned the entire amount of the PPP loan, none of which had been utilized by the Company, to Silicon Valley Bank, the lender, on May 4, 2020."

08:32 EDT Antengene broadens partnership with Karyopharm - Antengene announced a broadened partnership and territory expansion agreement with Karyopharm Therapeutics, for development and commercialization of four oral novel drugs and drug candidates to support its mission of treating patients beyond borders. This agreement broadens Antengene's rights in the Asia Pacific region for XPOVIO, the first-in-class selective inhibitor of nuclear export; eltanexor, a second-generation SINE compound; verdinexor, a lead compound in development for anti-viral and other non-oncology indications; and KPT-9274, a dual inhibitor of PAK4 and NAMPT. In May 2018, Antengene and Karyopharm entered into a strategic collaboration.

08:30 EDT Psychemedics announces 'Vaping Panel' to detect, deter use of marijuana, CBD - Psychemedics introduced a Vaping Panel to detect the use of Marijuana, CBD and Nicotine. This test provides a way for schools and businesses to detect the ingestion of these drugs by all methods including electronic cigarettes or smoking. Hair testing provides several significant advantages over other methods of testing including a 90-day lookback period for the ingestion of drugs.

08:27 EDT Verizon Media, Ampersand announce strategic advanced TV relationship - Ampersand and Verizon Media announced a new strategic advanced TV relationship to bring further national scale and unification of addressable TV to advertisers. Ampersand will serve as the exclusive seller of Verizon Fios' addressable TV inventory and has also selected Verizon Media's DSP as their primary buying platform for CTV and OTT inventory. This relationship brings Ampersand's addressable footprint to over 60% of all US addressable households, reaching over 42 million households in the United States. The alignment of Verizon Fios' addressable inventory with the combined addressable inventory of the three largest cable operators, gives marketers a simple and consistent way to buy linear and addressable TV audiences at scale with Ampersand's AND Platform. Verizon Media is also providing access to Verizon Fios TV addressable inventory through the Verizon Media DSP, which will be the sole programmatic trading platform for Fios. This is the first time Verizon Media is opening up addressable TV inventory in its DSP, paving the way for additional addressable opportunities in the future. For advertisers who already buy on Verizon Media's DSP, this addition enables broader TV buys to be aligned with their connected channel views. Verizon Media's DSP gives advertisers access to powerful, qualified data sets and reach consumers across all channels, including mobile, desktop, video, native, addressable TV, CTV, DOOH, and audio.

08:25 EDT Diffusion announces FDA accelerated review of TSC clinical development program - Diffusion Pharmaceuticals announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration will accelerate its review of the Company's clinical development plan using trans sodium crocetinate in COVID-19 patients displaying severe respiratory symptoms and low oxygen levels. Development of Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome is common in patients hospitalized with COVID-19 due to lack of sufficient oxygen to vital organs as a consequence of impedance in the lungs. Diffusion believes that TSC's novel oxygen-enhancing mechanism of action could provide an important new treatment option for this life-threatening condition. Under federal regulations, the FDA had up to 60 days from the Company's April 24, 2020 submission to respond, but the FDA has announced its intention to significantly shorten review times for select COVID-19 submissions under its Coronavirus Treatment Acceleration Program. Clinical trial preparations at multiple potential sites are continuing as the Company awaits the FDA's expedited response. Diffusion's COVID-19 program is a cooperative research effort with the University of Virginia Health System and the Integrated Translational Research Institute of Virginia. To aid in timely trial enrollment, Diffusion is in discussions with institutions located in areas of severe COVID-19 incidence, both in the U.S. and in Eastern Europe. Similar to the FDA CTAP, health authorities in certain Eastern European countries have implemented emergency policies to compress regulatory review cycles from months to just days. These policies could expedite partnering possibilities with one or more Eastern European national institutes currently treating hundreds of COVID-19 patients daily, with almost immediate study start up and shortened time to data.

08:23 EDT TransUnion to introduce Neuro-ID's Friction Index Platform, Fraud Solutions - TransUnion announced a partnership with Neuro-ID to help carriers become more agile and drive greater value for their customers. TransUnion will begin introducing Neuro-ID's Friction Index Platform and Fraud Solutions to its insurance customers to reduce friction, improve customer experience and detect behavioral fraud and risk. Through a simple JavaScript installation, Neuro-ID's Friction Index Platform reveals points of friction, hesitation and confidence as applicants digitally interact with an online quote or claim process. This new behavioral layer of digital intelligence makes it possible to optimize conversion and minimize risk. The partnership provides carriers with a powerful new source of behavioral data to advance their digital transformation initiatives.

08:21 EDT American Express, Hilton donate 1M hotel room nights to medical professionals - American Express (AXP) and Hilton (HLT) recently teamed up to donate up to 1M hotel room nights to medical professionals on the frontlines fighting COVID-19. Since April, hundreds of thousands of room nights have been booked. Now, the two companies are extending this important work through a $1M contribution from American Express to Jose Andres' World Central Kitchen, or WCK, to provide freshly prepared meals to the frontline healthcare professionals who are staying at participating Hilton properties in cities across the United States during the coronavirus pandemic. World Central Kitchen began this free meal program at select Hilton properties in Los Angeles in April and is now expanding to New York and Washington, D.C., with additional cities under consideration. Healthcare workers staying at participating Hilton properties as part of the free room program are able to pick up fresh, healthy meals delivered daily to the hotels. The donation made to World Central Kitchen as part of this effort will enable the organization to cover both the price of the ingredients and the wages for the restaurant employees who may have previously been out of work.

08:14 EDT Wayfair sees positive adjusted EBITDA margin in Q2

08:12 EDT Allegheny Technologies up 5.8% after reporting Q1 results

08:11 EDT DelMar enrolled 22 patients in arm of Phase 2 clinical study with VAL-083 - DelMar Pharmaceuticals announced it has enrolled 22 patients in the adjuvant arm of the Company's ongoing Phase 2 clinical study investigating adjuvant treatment of MGMT-unmethylated glioblastoma multiforme, or GBM, with VAL-083. The adjuvant arm of the Phase 2 study of VAL-083 being conducted at the MD Anderson Cancer Center, or MDACC, is designed to enroll up to 24 newly-diagnosed patients who have undergone surgery and chemoradiation with TMZ but will now receive VAL-083 in place of standard of care TMZ for adjuvant therapy. Additionally, in the recurrent arm of the study, which is also being conducted at MDACC, 72 patients out of a planned 83 patients have now been enrolled. DelMar continues to actively enroll patients in both trial arms of the clinical study, even in light of the COVID-19 pandemic.

08:11 EDT Agco up 3.3% after reporting Q1 results

08:09 EDT Mallinckrodt down 7.6% after reporting Q1 results

08:07 EDT Alaska Air suspends stock repurchases, future dividend payments

08:06 EDT NeoGenomics to collaborate with Bayer to offer NTRK testing - NeoGenomics (NEO) announced a collaboration with Bayer (BAYRY) to facilitate an RNA-based Neurotrophic Tropomyosin-Receptor Kinase, or NTRK, testing for certain colorectal and thyroid cancer patients. All eligible patients who enroll and opt-in to a Sponsored Testing Program will receive testing at no cost to themselves or their insurance. Bayer will cover the total cost of this test regardless of the results and treatment decision. The Sponsored Testing Program is for metastatic colorectal cancer, or mCRC, patients with high Microsatellite Instability, or MSI-H, status or deficient DNA mismatch repair, as well as patients with radioactive iodine refractory differentiated thyroid carcinoma, or RAIR DTC. All eligible patients who enroll in the Sponsored Testing Program will receive an RNA-based next-generation sequencing, or NGS, test, or NTRK NGS Fusion Profile, from NeoGenomics and patients will also receive a NeoGenomics Pan-Tropomyosin receptor kinase Immunohistochemistry test.

08:04 EDT Alaska Air says 'demand remains over 90% below normal levels' - The company said, "The impacts of COVID-19 on our business have been unprecedented. Demand deterioration began in February, and in March cancellations overwhelmed new bookings. Today demand remains over 90% below normal levels. Alaska Air Group's priorities as it continues to manage through this crisis are to ensure the health and safety of guests and employees, to preserve financial strength, and to plan for the future of the company."

08:03 EDT Alaska Air expects 'significant' capacity cuts in June - The company said, "Flown capacity in April decreased more than 80% compared to the prior year, and capacity cuts in May will also be at least 80%. We continue to expect capacity cuts in June to be significant. Parked 156 mainline aircraft and 13 Horizon Air aircraft, and suspended flying for 8 SkyWest Airlines aircraft."

08:01 EDT Newgioco Group begins reopening procedures in Italy - Newgioco Group announces that on May 4, the company began reopening physical webshop locations that were closed amid restrictions due to the outbreak of COVID-19 in Italy. The company has also distributed PPE aid packages to webshops in the form of utility stands situated in each location that contain antiseptic hand gel, face masks and gloves to provide personal protection for both our store salesclerks and visiting customers. The company is also making the utility stands available to store owners free of charge through the Newgioco Official Store.

08:00 EDT U.S. Concrete reports Q1 Aggregate Products revenue $43.6M vs. $42.9M last year - Reports Q1 Aggregate Products Segment adjusted EBITDA $11.3M vs. $10.4M last year. Aggregate products revenue increased $0.7 million in the quarter, compared to the prior year first quarter, resulting from a 5.4% increase in sales volume and a 0.9% increase in average selling price related to the mix of products sold. Aggregate products Adjusted EBITDA of $11.3 million in the 2020 first quarter increased 8.7% from the prior first year quarter, primarily related to improved operating efficiencies, including the impact of our Coram Materials acquisition partially offset by inclement weather in Texas.

07:58 EDT U.S. Concrete reports Q1 Ready-Mixed Concrete segment revenue $292.2M - Reports Q1 Ready-Mixed Concrete adjusted EBITDA $31.7M. Driven by both product mix and geographical pricing mix, revenue from the ready-mixed concrete segment increased $1.8 million, or 0.6%, compared to the prior year first quarter, despite a 2.6% decrease in volume. Adjusted EBITDA growth was hindered by lower volumes, higher labor, and fleet repair and maintenance costs.

07:55 EDT Akebia up 18% to $10.25 after positive results from INNO2VATE Phase 3 program

07:53 EDT BMC Stock Holdings temporarily suspending share repurchase program - During the first quarter of 2020, the Company repurchased 0.1 million shares at a weighted average price of $16.20 per share under the Company's $75.0 million share repurchase program authorized by the Company's board of directors. As of March 31, 2020, the Company had approximately $54.2 million of capacity remaining under the current share repurchase authorization, which expires in November 2020. The Company has temporarily suspended its share repurchase program due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

07:53 EDT BMC Stock Holdings creates cross-function task force for COVID-19 response - The company said, As one of our core values, we are dedicated to ensuring that the safety of BMC's associates and families is of the utmost importance during these challenging times. Over the course of the past two months, the Company took numerous steps to protect our associates, customers and the community. In mid-March, we created a cross-function task force that meets daily to ensure that we are responding with the development of the necessary processes, protocols, training and communications related to our response. These measures incorporated the guidelines recommended by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention and include detailed cleaning and disinfecting processes, social distancing protocols, providing face coverings and other personal protective equipment, suspending air travel, and encouraging associates to work from home when possible. The Company also implemented requirements for job site safety, signage at our locations and are partnering with our customers as necessary. Additionally, the Company launched a dedicated COVID-19 resource intranet page to keep associates up-to-date on Company and health authority information, guidelines and policies. The Company also enacted several emergency pay programs in order to maintain continuity of pay for associates who report any symptoms or are unable to report to work because of a COVID-19 disruption. While state, county, and other local municipalities have issued various and differing shelter in place orders, in most locations the Company's products and services are classified as "essential" and the Company's facilities in those jurisdictions continue to operate. In a select number of states, including Washington, Pennsylvania and portions of northern California, the Company experienced more restrictive stay-at-home orders that halted certain construction activities. However, these three jurisdictions are in the process of reopening building construction."

07:51 EDT RedHill Biopharma announces publication of results of Phase 3 study of Talicia - RedHill Biopharma announced the publication of the Company's pivotal Phase 3 study results with Talicia for Helicobacter pylori infection in the Annals of Internal Medicine. The peer-reviewed article, entitled "Rifabutin-Based Triple Therapy for Helicobacter pylori Eradication: A Double-Blind, Randomized, Controlled Trial", is available online and the print article is scheduled to be published in the journal's June issue. Talicia was approved by the FDA in November 2019. It is the only rifabutin-containing therapy approved for the treatment of H. pylori infection and is designed to address the high and growing resistance of H. pylori to the currently widely used clarithromycin-containing regimens. The double-blind, randomized, controlled trial compared Talicia against an equivalent dose dual therapy of amoxicillin and omeprazole in 455 treatment-naive subjects with confirmed dyspepsia and H. pylori infection. Results demonstrated the added rifabutin benefit with 83.8% eradication of H. pylori infection with Talicia vs. 57.7% in the active comparator arm, showing a 26.1% benefit with Talicia. The subjects who were confirmed adherent to their therapy had response rates of 90.3% in the Talicia arm vs. 64.7% in the active comparator arm. No resistance to rifabutin, a key component of Talicia, was detected in the study. Efficacy was not reduced by the presence of clarithromycin or metronidazole resistance, which were noted to be 17.4% and 43.6%, respectively. Furthermore, the safety profiles of both Talicia and the active comparator were similar. These findings support the potential for Talicia as a preferred first-line empirical H. pylori therapy, addressing an unmet need in the current environment of increasing antibiotic resistance. In addition, an ePoster entitled "Pharmacokinetics and Exposure-Response of RHB-105, A Novel Fixed-Dosed Rifabutin-Based Combination Treatment of Helicobacter Pylori", was published online on May 3, 2020 as part of Digestive Disease Week 2020 online education portal, following the cancellation of this year's conference. The ePoster and accompanying presentation describe key findings from the pharmacokinetic analysis of the pivotal Phase 3 study with Talicia. The authors conclude that the curative effect of Talicia is sensitive to the exposure of rifabutin, further supporting the clinical results of the study and superiority over the dual therapy.

07:49 EDT Black Stone Minerals enters development agreement with Aethon for shale acreage - Black Stone Minerals announced that it has entered into a development agreement with affiliates of Aethon Energy with respect to the company's undeveloped Shelby Trough Haynesville and Bossier shale acreage in Angelina County, Texas. The agreement provides for minimum well commitments by Aethon in exchange for reduced royalty rates and exclusive access to Black Stone's mineral and leasehold acreage in the contract area. The agreement calls for a minimum of four wells to be drilled in the initial program year, which begins in Q3, increasing to a minimum of 15 wells per year beginning with the third program year.

07:47 EDT Tradeweb Markets reports ADV of $763.4B for April, up 14.6% y/y - Tradeweb Markets reported average daily volume, or ADV, of $763.4B in April, an increase of 14.6 percent% year over year.

07:43 EDT Nabriva announces publication of results from analysis of lefamulin data - Nabriva Therapeutics announced that Open Forum Infectious Diseases, an official journal of the Infectious Diseases Society of America, has published results from a post-hoc analysis of clinical data from patients who initiated treatment in the hospital from the pivotal Lefamulin Evaluation Against Pneumonia 1 and LEAP 2 Phase 3 clinical trials. The analyses indicate that lefamulin results in a rapid and similar time to clinical response, a proxy for hospital "discharge readiness," compared to moxifloxacin. In the post-hoc analysis, investigators examined pooled data of 926 inpatients from the LEAP trials; 468 patients were treated with lefamulin and 458 were treated with moxifloxacin. The analysis evaluated three outcomes among the study population: time to clinical response, time to clinical stability, and time to clinical improvement. Of the 926 patients included, investigators were able to assess time to clinical response in 918, clinical stability in 925, and clinical improvement in 923. Analyses demonstrated that time to clinical response was nearly identical in both treatment groups, with a median time from treatment initiation to clinical response of 4 days for lefamulin and 4 days for moxifloxacin. The median time from treatment initiation to clinical stability or clinical improvement was 3 days in both the lefamulin and moxifloxacin groups. Given the association between time to clinical response and readiness for hospital discharge in patients with CABP, the findings support the potential of lefamulin as an effective IV and oral short-course, monotherapy for CABP that may enable early discharge. XENLETA is a pleuromutilin antibiotic approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of community-acquired bacterial pneumonia. It is available in IV and oral formulations enabling initiation of treatment in the hospital, transitioning to outpatient setting or initiating treatment in the community. XENLETA has a novel mechanism of action that targets a binding site on bacteria that is different from existing antibiotics which has been shown to result in no cross resistance to other antibiotic classes commonly prescribed for CABP and a low potential for the development of resistance. Full results of the post-hoc analysis of LEAP trials data is included in the paper titled: Post Hoc Assessment of Time to Clinical Response Among Adults Hospitalized with Community-Acquired Bacterial Pneumonia Who Received Either Lefamulin or Moxifloxacin in Two Phase III Randomized, Double-Blind, Double-Dummy Clinical Trials, published in Open Forum Infectious Diseases, April 24, 2020.

07:40 EDT Baudax Bio announces presentation of Phase IIIb ANJESO data - Baudax Bio announced a virtual poster presentation highlighting ANJESO injection data at Digestive Disease Week 2020. The virtual presentation describes an economic sub-study of a double-blind, placebo-controlled Phase IIIb study evaluating preoperative administration of ANJESO as part of a MMA regimen compared to placebo in 55 patients who had undergone open or laparoscopic colorectal surgeries. The Phase IIIb study was designed to replicate conditions consistent with current clinical practice, including use of a standardized enhanced recovery after surgery protocol based on common best practices for colorectal surgeries. Patients were randomized 1:1 to receive ANJESO or placebo. The first study dose was administered 30 minutes prior to the start of surgery. Subsequent doses of ANJESO were administered every 24 hours. The primary objective of the Phase IIIb study was to evaluate the safety and tolerability of preoperative dosing of ANJESO in subjects undergoing open or laparoscopic colorectal surgeries compared to placebo. The economic sub-study primary objective was to evaluate the impact of preoperative dosing of ANJESO on healthcare resource use and healthcare costs. This economic sub-study evaluated HRU and costs, including total hospital costs, hospital length of stay and opioid use associated with preoperative administration of ANJESO compared to placebo. A subject-level database was developed to capture quantity of service, charges and date of service from UB-04 forms captured in the IIIB clinical trial. A national cost:charge ratio was applied to convert 'charges' to 'costs'. A total of 55 subjects were treated in the trial, with 54 subjects included in HRU analysis. The total mean costs of hospital stay were similar between the ANJESO group compared to the placebo group. After removing outliers, the total costs for the ANJESO group was numerically lower than the placebo group. Mean hospital LOS in days was numerically lower in the ANJESO group compared to the placebo group and was statistically significant. Mean total opioid use was significantly lower among the ANJESO group compared to placebo and from hour 0 through hospital discharge. The proportion of subjects with greater than or equal to1 opioid related adverse drug effects were higher for the placebo group than for the ANJESO group. Presence of greater than1 ORADE was associated with a significant increase in LOS in hours as compared to not having any ORADEs.

07:39 EDT Bloomin' sees ongoing weekly cash burn rate $6M-$8M on mostly off-premise sales - Bloomin' Brands said: "As of May 4, 2020, we had approximately $270 million of cash on hand in our domestic bank accounts, including cash in transit from weekend sales. On April 21, 2020, we made a $12.5 million one-time cash distribution to our Brazil business for general operational purposes. At recent sales levels, we expect our ongoing weekly cash burn rate to be approximately $6 million to $8 million, while our business is operating primarily off-premises. This is down from our previous burn rate of $8 million to $10 million due primarily to higher sales volumes. We would expect our burn rate to improve as more dining rooms reopen and capacity expands."

07:38 EDT Agco reports Q1 South America net sales up 13.8% - Net sales in the South American region increased 13.8% in the first three months of 2020 compared to the first three months of 2019, excluding the impact of unfavorable currency translation. Loss from operations in the first three months of 2020 was relatively flat compared to the same period in 2019. The South America results reflect low levels of industry demand and company production, as well as unfavorable cost impacts associated with newer product technology into our Brazilian factories.

07:38 EDT Agco reports Q1North American net sales up 11.7% - AGCO's North American net sales increased 11.7% in the first three months of 2020 compared to the same period of 2019, excluding the negative impact of currency translation. Increased sales of high horsepower tractors, Precision Planting equipment and hay equipment accounted for most of the increase. Income from operations for the first three months of 2020 improved approximately $30.3 million compared to the same period in 2019. The benefit of higher sales and a richer mix of products, as well as cost control initiatives contributed most of the increase.

07:37 EDT Bloomin' CEO says 'adhering to strongest of safety measures' as stores reopen - Bloomin' Brands CEO David Deno said: "Our priorities remain unchanged as we continue to navigate these challenging times. We are focused on taking care of our people and serving food in a safe environment that protects both our Team Members and customers. We have leveraged our strong off-premises business since the pandemic required the closure of our dining rooms. As a result, we have tripled our average off-premises sales per restaurant since the beginning of March. This is a testament to the strong affinity for our brands, and our decision to invest significantly over a number of years into building a robust delivery network to complement our take-out business. These outstanding off-premises results have allowed us to keep substantially all of our locations open during this time. We have also recently begun the process of reopening our dining rooms as state and local governments allow. For perspective, we had 23 Outback Steakhouse restaurants open for dine-in service at limited capacity during the full week ended May 3, 2020, and comparable sales at these locations were down 17% from the prior year, with limited declines in off-premises business. We are encouraged by these results, and as of the end of day today, we expect to have 336 total Bloomin' Brands restaurant dining rooms opened with limited seating capacity across multiple states. As these dining rooms reopen, we are adhering to the strongest of safety measures, including additional sanitation and disinfecting practices, enhanced hand-washing protocols, use of gloves and facial protection for our employees, and we are providing contactless payment options for our customers. In addition, each dining room seating configuration has been modified to adhere to social distancing and reduced capacity standards, and we are leveraging our table management notification system to allow guests to wait in their cars for their table. We are tightly managing our cash usage. We have stopped non-essential spending, significantly reduced marketing expenses and deferred nearly all of our capital expenditures. These efforts have allowed us to minimize our ongoing cash burn. Also, our decision not to terminate or furlough any of our employees will allow us to reopen dining rooms quickly with no re-hiring or training expenses."

07:35 EDT Marriott amends JPMorgan/Amex credit card deals, boosting cash by $920M - Marriott International (MAR) announced it has signed amendments to its existing co-brand credit card agreements with JPMorgan Chase (JPM) and American Express (AXP). These amendments will provide the company with $920 million of cash, further enhancing its liquidity, with $570 million coming from Chase and $350 million coming from American Express. The $570 million from Chase includes $500 million of prepayment of certain future revenues and $70 million from the early payment of a previously committed signing bonus under the co-brand credit card agreement. The $350 million from American Express is for the pre-purchase of Marriott Bonvoy points and other consideration. In each case the cash will be recorded by Marriott as deferred revenue and will be available for general corporate purposes. Both amendments include extensions of the existing co-brand credit card agreements, so they continue to be co-terminus. The company has also terminated the $1.5 billion 364-day revolving credit facility commitment it announced on April 14, 2020, the capacity of which was substantially reduced as a result of the Series EE senior notes offering the company completed on April 16, 2020.

07:32 EDT Xoma expects current cash position to fund operations for multiple years - On March 31, 2020, XOMA had cash of $53.3 million. The Company ended December 31, 2019, with cash of $56.7 million. The Company continues to believe its current cash position will be sufficient to fund XOMA's operations for multiple years.

07:30 EDT TG Therapeutics trading resumes

07:28 EDT TG Therapeutics says UNITY-CLL Phase 3 trial met primary endpoint - TG Therapeutics announced positive topline results from the global UNITY-CLL Phase 3 trial evaluating the combination of umbralisib plus ublituximab compared to obinutuzumab plus chlorambucil in patients with previously untreated and relapsed/refractory chronic lymphocytic leukemia. The trial met its primary endpoint at a prespecified interim analysis demonstrating a statistically significant improvement in progression-free survival and will be stopped early for superior efficacy. PFS was assessed by an Independent Review Committee, and benefit was also seen across both previously untreated and relapsed/refractory patient populations. The UNITY-CLL Phase 3 trial is being conducted under Special Protocol Assessment agreement with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. An independent data safety monitoring board conducted the interim analysis and made the recommendation to stop the trial early based on the positive results. Secondary endpoints, including safety, were not reviewed by the DSMB at this meeting. Data from this study is intended to support a regulatory submission targeted by year-end 2020 for U2 in both previously untreated and relapsed/refractory CLL patients and will be submitted for presentation at a future medical conference. UNITY-CLL is a global Phase 3 randomized controlled clinical trial comparing the combination of ublituximab plus umbralisib, or U2, to an active control arm of obinutuzumab plus chlorambucil in patients with both treatment-naive and relapsed or refractory chronic lymphocytic leukemia. The trial randomized patients into four treatment arms: ublituximab single agent, umbralisib single agent, ublituximab plus umbralisib and an active control arm of obinutuzumab plus chlorambucil. A prespecified analysis was conducted to assess the contribution of ublituximab and umbralisib in the U2 combination arm and allowed for the termination of the single agent arms. Accordingly, the UNITY-CLL Phase 3 trial continued enrollment in a 1:1 ratio into the two combination arms: the investigational arm of U2 and the control arm of obinutuzumab plus chlorambucil. Full enrollment into the UNITY-CLL Phase 3 trial completed in October of 2017 with approximately 420 subjects enrolled to the two combinations arms. This trial enrolled approximately 60% treatment-naive CLL patients and 40% relapsed or refractory CLL patients. The primary endpoint for this study was superior Progression Free Survival for the U2 combination compared to the control arm to support the submission for full approval of the U2 combination in CLL. The UNITY-CLL Phase 3 trial is being conducted under Special Protocol Assessment agreement with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

07:25 EDT Bicycle announces dosing of first patient in Phase I study of BT5528 - Bicycle Therapeutics announced that the first patient has been dosed in a Phase I dose escalation of BT5528 in combination with nivolumab. The Phase I trial includes both a monotherapy arm as well as a combination arm. Per protocol, the monotherapy arm began first, with the first patient dosed in the fourth quarter of 2019, and dosing in both arms is now underway. In the monotherapy arm, doses administered to date appear well-tolerated as the escalation continues toward clinically relevant doses. BT5528 is a Bicycle Toxin Conjugate that targets EphA2, an antigen believed to be overexpressed in tumor types with high unmet need and a target for which antibody-based approaches have been unsuccessful to date.

07:22 EDT NovaBay names Andrew Jones as CFO, replacing Lynn Christopher - NovaBay Pharmaceuticals announces the appointment of Andrew Jones as Cfo and Treasurer, effective May 1. Jones brings to NovaBay more than 20 years of finance and accounting experience primarily in the life sciences industry. He replaces Lynn Christopher, who assumed these positions on an interim basis in April and will consult to NovaBay to support a smooth transition. Jones most recently served as an independent consultant, helping companies to meet their accounting and finance requirements.

07:20 EDT Premier reports Q3 Supply Chain Services revenue up 14% to $238.6M - For the fiscal third quarter ended March 31, 2020, Supply Chain Services segment net revenue of $238.6 million increased 14% from $208.6 million a year ago. Net administrative fees revenue of $174.0 million increased 6% from $164.5 million a year ago, primarily due to continuing contract penetration driven largely by the company's high-compliance portfolio programs and revenue from new contract categories and suppliers. Products revenue of $61.2 million increased 47% from $41.6 million a year ago, primarily driven by strong growth in PremierPro brand commodity products related to healthcare and food service providers and timing of revenue from ongoing aggregated purchasing of certain products relative to the prior year. Supply Chain Services segment non-GAAP adjusted EBITDA for the fiscal 2020 third quarter of $149.2 million increased 11% from $134.8 million for the same period a year ago, primarily driven by growth in net administrative fees revenue.

07:17 EDT Akebia announces results from INNO2VATE cardiovascular outcomes program - Akebia announced top-line results from INNO2VATE, the first of its two global Phase 3 cardiovascular outcomes programs. The two INNO2VATE studies evaluated the efficacy and safety of vadadustat, Akebia's investigational oral hypoxia-inducible factor prolyl hydroxylase inhibitor, or HIF-PHI, versus darbepoetin alfa for the treatment of anemia due to chronic kidney disease, or CKD, in adult patients on dialysis. Vadadustat achieved the primary and key secondary efficacy endpoint in each of the two INNO2VATE studies, demonstrating non-inferiority to darbepoetin alfa as measured by a mean change in hemoglobin between baseline and the primary evaluation period and secondary evaluation period. Vadadustat also achieved the primary safety endpoint of the INNO2VATE program, defined as non-inferiority of vadadustat versus darbepoetin alfa in time to first occurrence of major adverse cardiovascular events, or MACE, which is the composite of all-cause mortality, non-fatal myocardial infarction, or non-fatal stroke across both INNO2VATE studies. Each analysis was measured against non-inferiority, or NI, margins agreed upon with the FDA and the European Medicines Agency, or EMA. Akebia's global INNO2VATE program is a cardiovascular outcomes program that includes two separate Phase 3 studies, which collectively enrolled 3,923 adult patients on dialysis with anemia due to CKD. Both INNO2VATE studies are global, multicenter, open label, active-controlled, non-inferiority studies. In both studies, patients were randomized 1:1 to receive either vadadustat or darbepoetin alfa. Vadadustat was initiated at a starting oral dose of 300 mg once daily and adjusted over time in increments of 150 mg within the range of 150 to 600 mg daily using a dose adjustment algorithm, while darbepoetin alfa was dosed per the US package insert or summary of product characteristics in appropriate geographies. The INNO2VATE Correction/Conversion study evaluated 369 incident dialysis patients who initiated chronic dialysis for end-stage renal disease, or ESRD, less than or equal to 16 weeks prior to screening and had limited exposure to recombinant erythropoiesis stimulating agents. The INNO2VATE Conversion study evaluated 3,554 dialysis patients currently receiving rESA who were converted to either vadadustat or darbepoetin alfa. In both INNO2VATE studies, the primary efficacy endpoint was the mean change in Hb between baseline and the primary evaluation period. NI was achieved if the lower bound of the 95% confidence interval for the between-group difference of the mean Hb change did not fall below the pre-specified NI margin. The INNO2VATE program's primary safety endpoint, MACE, was independently and blindly assessed by the Brigham and Women's Hospital's Clinical Endpoint Center in Boston, with a comparison of vadadustat to darbepoetin alfa. MACE is defined as the composite endpoint of all-cause mortality, non-fatal myocardial infarction, or non-fatal stroke. To assess MACE, a combined analysis of time to first MACE event from the two INNO2VATE studies was performed. NI was achieved if the upper bound of the 95% confidence interval for the hazard ratio of vadadustat to darbepoetin alfa did not exceed the pre-specified NI margin of 1.25. Vadadustat achieved each of the INNO2VATE studies' primary efficacy endpoints of mean change in Hb between baseline and the primary evaluation period compared to darbepoetin alfa, in adult patients on dialysis, demonstrating non-inferiority to darbepoetin alfa based on using a non-inferiority margin of -0.75 g/dL prospectively agreed to with FDA and EMA. In INNO2VATE's Correction/Conversion study of incident dialysis patients. Vadadustat was non-inferior to darbepoetin alfa. The least square mean difference in Hb was -0.31 g/dL, achieving the pre-specified non-inferiority criterion of -0.75 g/dL. The mean Hb level at week 24 to week 36 was 10.36 g/dL for vadadustat-treated patients compared to 10.61 g/dL for darbepoetin alfa-treated patients. Vadadustat sustained the target Hb efficacy response at weeks 40 to 52 achieving non-inferiority compared to darbepoetin alfa. The least square mean difference in Hb was -0.07 g/dL. The mean Hb level at week 40 to week 52 was 10.51 g/dL for vadadustat treated-patients compared to 10.55 g/dL for darbepoetin alfa-treated patients. Vadadustat was non-inferior to darbepoetin alfa in the other trial. The least square mean difference in Hb was -0.17 g/dL, achieving the pre-specified non-inferiority criterion of -0.75 g/dL. The mean Hb level at week 24 to week 36 was 10.36 g/dL for vadadustat-treated patients compared to 10.53 g/dL for darbepoetin alfa-treated patients. Vadadustat sustained efficacy in the Conversion study demonstrating non-inferiority to darbepoetin with a least square mean difference in Hb of -0.18 g/dL. The mean Hb level at week 40 to week 52 was 10.40 (1.04) g/dL in the vadadustat-treated patients compared to 10.58 g/dL for darbepoetin treated patients. Vadadustat achieved the INNO2VATE program's primary safety endpoint of non-inferiority for MACE. In the primary analysis of time to first MACE event, vadadustat demonstrated non-inferiority to darbepoetin alfa using a non-inferiority margin of 1.25 prospectively agreed to by FDA and a non-inferiority margin of 1.3 prospectively agreed to by EMA. Vadadustat was non-inferior to darbepoetin alfa. The upper bound of the 95% confidence interval of the Hazard Ratio was below the pre-specified non-inferiority margin of 1.25 for primary MACE analysis. MACE is defined as the composite endpoint of all-cause mortality, non-fatal myocardial infarction, or non-fatal stroke. The incidence of treatment emergent adverse events during the Correction/Conversion study in vadadustat treated patients was 83.8% and 85.5% in darbepoetin alfa treated patients. During the study, the most common treatment emergent adverse events reported in vadadustat/darbepoetin alfa treated patients were hypertension and diarrhea. Serious treatment emergent adverse events were lower in vadadustat treated patients at 49.7% compared to 56.5% for darbepoetin alfa treated patients. The incidence of treatment emergent adverse events during the Conversion study in the vadadustat treated patients was 88.3%, and 89.3% in darbepoetin alfa treated patients. During the study, the most common treatment emergent adverse events reported in vadadustat/darbepoetin alfa treated patients were diarrhea, pneumonia, hypertension, and hyperkalemia. Serious treatment emergent adverse events were slightly lower for vadadustat treated patients at 55.0% and 58.3% for darbepoetin alfa-treated patients. Upon successful completion of the Phase 3 program, which includes the PRO2TECT studies of vadadustat for the treatment of anemia due to CKD in adult patients not on dialysis that the Company expects to read out mid-2020, Akebia plans to submit to FDA an NDA for vadadustat for the treatment of anemia due to CKD in adult dialysis-dependent and non-dialysis dependent patients. In close coordination with its collaborator, Otsuka Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd., the company also plans to submit a Marketing Authorization Application to EMA. Akebia and Otsuka are collaborating on the development and commercialization of vadadustat in the US, Europe, China, Russia, Canada, Australia, the Middle East, and certain other territories. A Japanese New Drug Application for vadadustat was submitted to the Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices Agency in July 2019 by Mitsubishi Tanabe Pharma Corporation, Akebia's development and commercialization collaboration partner in Japan for vadadustat.

07:16 EDT Citi spinning off investor communication platform Proxymity - Proxymity, the digital investor communications platform developed within Citi's (C) Institutional Clients Group, announced that it has raised $20.5M in a strategic round of investment and will form its own entity via a global, industry-led consortium. "The consortium brings together the leading global and direct custodians and the leading issuer agents ensuring unparalleled, instant access to the world's leading investors and companies," Proxymity said in a statement. BNY Mellon (BK), Citi, Clearstream, Computershare, Deutsche Bank (DB), HSBC (HSBC), J.P. Morgan (JPM), and State Street (STT) comprise the newly formed Proxymity consortium. The Proxymity team will be based in London. Co-founders Dean Little and Jonathan Smalley, who have over 30 years of combined industry experience in custody product development, have been appointed CEO and COO, respectively. With this new capital and support from the consortium, Proxymity will scale and grow rapidly across the globe. Its immediate focus will be the EU markets ahead of the forthcoming SRDII implementation. Given regulatory changes and new challenges presented to companies because of the COVID-19 crisis, Proxymity's ability to connect stakeholders directly and digitally in real-time will help issuers, intermediaries, and investors who are looking for a seamless solution to achieve compliance. Proxymity will also work globally to help companies effectively and efficiently provide a solution to their shareholder identification process.

07:15 EDT Alexion to acquire Portola Pharmaceuticals for $18 per share in cash - Alexion Pharmaceuticals (ALXN) and Portola Pharmaceuticals (PTLA) announced that they have entered into a definitive merger agreement for Alexion to acquire Portola, a commercial-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on life-threatening blood-related disorders. Portola's commercialized medicine, Andexxa, marketed as Ondexxya in Europe, is the first and only approved Factor Xa inhibitor reversal agent, and has demonstrated transformative clinical value by rapidly reversing the anticoagulant effects of Factor Xa inhibitors rivaroxaban and apixaban in severe and uncontrolled bleeding. The acquisition will add near-term diversification to Alexion's commercial portfolio and provides the opportunity to apply the company's demonstrated global commercial excellence to create long-term value for patients and shareholders. The merger agreement has been unanimously approved by the boards of Alexion and Portola. Under the terms of the merger agreement, a subsidiary of Alexion will commence a tender offer to acquire all of the outstanding shares of Portola's common stock at a price of $18 per share in cash. The tender offer is subject to customary conditions, including the tender of a majority of the outstanding shares of Portola common stock, the expiration or termination of the waiting period under the Hart-Scott Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act of 1976 and receipt of certain other regulatory approvals. Following successful completion of the tender offer, Alexion will acquire all remaining shares not tendered in the offer at the same price of $18 per share through a merger. The transaction is expected to close in the third quarter of 2020. Alexion will fund the transaction with cash on hand. As part of the acquisition, Alexion will also be acquiring cash currently on Portola's balance sheet, net of debt of approximately $215 million that will become due upon closing. As of December 31, 2019, cash and short-term investments were approximately $430 million. The actual amounts will be determined as of the transaction close.

07:12 EDT Henry Schein has access to ~$1.7B in liquidity, updates COVID-19 impact actions - In a focused effort to generate cash savings, Henry Schein has initiated a number of measures. The company is aggressively reducing overhead and SG&A expenses, including having implemented a payroll cost reduction plan centered around furloughs, reduced work hours, voluntary unpaid time off, suspension of the 401(k) match, and job reductions. As previously disclosed, the company temporarily reduced the salary of management at the Director level through Executive Management, ranging from 10% to 100%, respectively. The company's board has agreed to a temporary reduction of 25% of its non-employee directors' cash retainer. The company will closely monitor the health of its business and is prepared to take additional cost saving measures, as warranted. Henry Schein has reduced or eliminated all non-essential capital expenditures, and in early March, the company temporarily suspended its acquisition activity and share repurchase program. Prior to this, the company repurchased 1.2 million shares of its common stock during the first quarter at an average price of $61.49 per share, or a total of approximately $73.8 million. The impact of the repurchase of shares on first quarter 2020 diluted EPS was immaterial. As of today, Henry Schein has $201.2 million authorized and available for future stock repurchases. Henry Schein has maintained a strong balance sheet as well as a low debt-to-EBITDA ratio at the end of the first quarter of 2020, positioning the company to weather economic uncertainty. The company currently has access to approximately $1.7 billion in liquidity, providing flexibility during this challenging time.

07:10 EDT Fiat Chrysler reports Q1 worldwide combined shipments of 818,000 units - Reports worldwide combined shipments of 818,000 units,down 21%, due to temporary suspension of production in all regions and disrupted global demand.

07:09 EDT Henry Schein reports Q1 medical sales down 17.1% to $800.7M - Medical sales for the first quarter of 2020 of $800.7 million increased 17.1%, consisting of 17.2% growth in local currencies and a 0.1% decrease related to foreign currency exchange. In local currencies, internally generated sales increased 13.4% and acquisition growth was 3.8%.

07:09 EDT Fiat Chrysler, Groupe PSA 'committed' to 50/50 merger - Fiat Chrysler (FCAU) said in a statement: "Notwithstanding these unexpected and unprecedented times, FCA and Groupe PSA (PUGOY) remain committed to our 50/50 merger that will create a leading global mobility company. Together, we continue to push ahead on the various merger workstreams and we remain committed to completing the transaction by the end of this year or early 2021."

07:08 EDT AerCap expects to incur future delays on scheduled Boeing 737 MAX deliveries - The company said, "Following the fatal accidents of two Boeing 737 MAX aircraft, the worldwide fleet of these aircraft was grounded by aviation authorities in March 2019 and production was temporarily suspended by Boeing in January 2020, resulting in ongoing delays in the delivery of our aircraft on order from Boeing. As of March 31, 2020, we had 95 Boeing 737 MAX aircraft on order with Boeing and five already delivered and on lease. Boeing currently expects that the necessary regulatory approvals will be obtained in time to support resumption of the Boeing 737 MAX deliveries during the third quarter of 2020. It is uncertain, however, when and under what conditions our Boeing 737 MAX aircraft will return to service and when Boeing will resume making deliveries of our Boeing 737 MAX aircraft on order. As a result, we expect to incur future delays on our scheduled Boeing 737 MAX deliveries, and any such future delays are likely to have an impact on our financial results. Certain of our Boeing 737 MAX leases have now been cancelled, and we expect additional leases to be cancelled in the future. In cases where leases have been cancelled, we have the right to cancel our corresponding orders for delivery of those aircraft; nevertheless, these lease cancellations may have an adverse effect on our future cash flows and results of operations, which could be material."

07:05 EDT AMC Networks experienced 'adverse advertising sales impacts' in mid-March - The company said, "As previously disclosed in the 8-K filed March 27, 2020, the impact of COVID-19 and measures to prevent its spread are affecting the Company's businesses in a number of ways. Beginning in mid-March, the Company experienced adverse advertising sales impacts and suspended content production, which has led to delays in the creation and availability of some of its television programming. Operationally, nearly all Company employees are working remotely, and the Company has restricted business travel. The Company has evaluated and continues to evaluate the potential impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on its consolidated financial statements. The ultimate impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, including the extent of any adverse impact on our business, results of operations and financial condition, will depend on, among other things, the duration and spread of the pandemic, the impact of governmental regulations that have been, and may continue to be, imposed in response to the pandemic, the effectiveness of actions taken to contain or mitigate the outbreak, and global economic conditions. Although the effect of the pandemic may not be fully reflected in the Company's business until future periods, the Company believes that the adverse impact of the COVID-19 pandemic will be material to its results of operations. The Company does not expect the COVID-19 pandemic and its related economic impact to affect its liquidity position or its ongoing ability to meet the covenants in its debt instruments. "

07:03 EDT Wayfair reports Q1 active users in Direct Retail business 21.1M - The number of active customers in its Direct Retail business reached 21.1 million as of March 31, 2020, an increase of 28.6% year over year. LTM net revenue per active customer was $449 as of March 31, 2020, an increase of 1.6% year over year. Orders per customer, measured as LTM orders divided by active customers, was 1.86 for the first quarter of 2020, compared to 1.85 for the first quarter of 2019. Repeat customers placed 69.8% of total orders in the first quarter of 2020, compared to 66.0% in the first quarter of 2019. Orders delivered in the first quarter of 2020 were 9.9 million, an increase of 21.0% year over year.

07:00 EDT MPLX announces spending reductions amid COVID-19 outbreak - MPLX 2020 capital spending target has been reduced by over $700M to approximately $1B. Growth capital spending target reduced by over $600M to approximately $900M. Growth capital spend is primarily related to projects that are already underway, including the Wink-to-Webster crude oil pipeline, the Whistler natural gas pipeline, and the expansion of the Mt. Airy Terminal. The original BANGL project scope is no longer being pursued given the current down cycle. Instead, the company is working with others to optimize existing pipeline capacity while continuing to meet producers' needs for flow assurance and future growth. Also, the associated fractionation capacity and export facility have been deferred. Net maintenance capital spending target reduced by $100M to approximately $150M. The company also expects to reduce forecasted annual operating expenses by approximately $200M, primarily through the deferral of certain expense projects. MPLX is maintaining its goal to achieve positive free cash flow, after capital investments and distributions, in 2021.

06:57 EDT Aecom revises FY20 adjusted EBITDA view to $700M-$740M - Or 10% growth over the prior year at the mid-point; this guidance includes an expected $15M full year negative impact from changes in foreign exchange rates and incorporates expected impacts from COVID-19.

06:56 EDT Portola Pharmaceuticals trading halted, news pending

06:54 EDT Mallinckrodt reports Q1 Specialty Brands segment net sales $490.6M

06:53 EDT Howmet Aerospace cuts FY20 CapEx view to ~$200M from $300M

06:52 EDT Marathon Petroleum announces actions in response to COVID-19 pandemic - The company consolidated capital spending reductions of $1.4B, or approximately 30%, which takes expected spending levels down to $3B for 2020. The reductions are planned across all segments of the business, including: $250M in refining; $770M in midstream, which includes MPLX; $250M in retail; and $80M in corporate. Remaining capital spend primarily relates to growth projects that are already in progress or spending that supports the safe and reliable operation of our facilities. A reduction to forecasted consolidated operating expenses of $950M in 2020, primarily through reductions of fixed costs and deferral of certain expense projects, which includes $200 million of operating expense reductions at MPLX. Throughput levels have been reduced across the organization, including the temporary idling of some facilities. The company plans to continue to monitor market conditions and optimize crude oil acquisition, refining run rates, and logistics systems to respond on a regional basis. Share repurchases have temporarily been suspended. The company will evaluate the timing of future repurchases as market conditions evolve. The company issued $2.5B of senior notes in April. The company also secured an additional $1B 364-day revolving credit facility in April. As of May 5, MPC's total credit capacity, excluding MPLX, is approximately $7.5B and available borrowing capacity is approximately $6.75B. The company continues to evaluate further actions to enhance liquidity.

06:48 EDT Quarterhill appoints Paul Hill as CEO - Quarterhill announces the appointment of Mr. Paul Hill as President and CEO of Quarterhill, effective June 1. Mr. Hill is an executive with extensive experience in managing technology and diversified software companies and in completing acquisitions of technology companies. Mr. Hill will operate out of a Toronto-based Quarterhill office to be established in the near future and will join Quarterhill's board upon commencing his employment with Quarterhill. Mr. Hill is currently CEO of Carta Worldwide.

06:46 EDT US Foods reports Q1 total case volume up 3.4% - Total case volume increased 3.4% from the prior year, while total organic case volume decreased 7.3%. Independent restaurant case volume increased 0.5%, while organic independent restaurant case volume decreased 7.4%. Net sales of $6.3 billion increased 5.1% from the prior year, primarily due to the addition of the Food Group and year-over-year inflation in cheese, grocery and produce items. Both case volume and Net sales were negatively impacted by social distancing measures and required closures of non-essential businesses that were put in place the second week of March to mitigate the spread of COVID-19. The Food Group contributed $654 million to net sales in the first quarter.

06:45 EDT Total cuts 2020 production target by 'at least 5%' from prior forecast - The company states: "In an environment where prices fell by more than 30% on average during the first quarter, the Group's cash flow decreased by 31% year-on-year to $4.5 billion, and adjusted net income was down 35% this quarter to $1.8 billion. Return on equity stood at 9.8% and Total maintained its financial strength with gearing at 21%. In response to these crises, the Group announced an immediate action plan on March 23. The Group now anticipates 2020 production between 2.95 and 3 Mboe/d, a reduction of at least 5% from 2020 forecasts, reflecting the voluntary curtailment measures in Canada, the exceptional quotas announced by OPEC+, lower local demand for gas and the situation in Libya. In the Downstream, plant utilization rates and sales have been on average 50% below normal since mid-March, with uncertainty about the timing of a return to normal."

06:43 EDT Primoris reports total backlog at March 31 of $3.2B - Compared to $3.18B at December 31, 2019.

06:40 EDT AdaptHealth sees FY20 revenue $790M-$808M, consensus $791.17M - The company said, "We cannot predict the duration of the COVID 19 crisis or the full impact on our business. However, based on current trends, we are affirming our financial guidance for 2020 of net revenue between $790M-$808M. Adjusted EBITDA of $160M-$164M, and Adjusted EBITDA less Patient Equipment Capex of $98M-$101M. This outlook excludes anticipated first year PCS operating losses as well as severance and restructuring costs associated with the PCS acquisition totaling approximately $15M." The company concluded: "I am very proud of our financial performance in the first quarter but even more proud of how our AdaptHealth employees have responded to this unprecedented crisis by supporting our patients and healthcare partners. Our employees on the front line in patient-facing roles have continued to serve with professionalism and courage. I'm also very proud of our company's role in delivering life-saving equipment to our referral partners, many of which are operating in the nation's worst virus hotspots."

06:33 EDT WestRock lowers FY20 capital investments by $150M - WestRock is executing its differentiated strategy with financial strength and substantial liquidity. Given the uncertainties associated with the severity and duration of COVID-19, the Company is focused on meeting the needs of WestRock's customers, supporting the health, safety and well-being of its teammates, and further building on its foundation of financial strength by: Providing one-time recognition awards to the Company's manufacturing and operations teammates in the Q3; continuing to match the Company's supply with its customers' demand; decreasing salaries and retainers up to 25% for the Company's senior executive team and board of directors in addition to reducing discretionary expenses; the Company expects to use company stock to pay its annual incentive and company funded 401 contributions in 2020; reducing FY20 capital investments by approximately $150M, to a level of $950M; reduce FY21 capital investments to a range of $600M-$800M; resetting its quarterly dividend to 20c per share for an annual rate of 80c per share

06:28 EDT Athersys announces enrollment of first patients in Phase 2/3 MultiStem study - Athersys announced that the first patients have been enrolled in Athersys' pivotal Phase 2/3 study entitled, MultiStem Administration for COVID-19 Induced Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome, or MACOVIA. The patients were enrolled at University Hospital's Cleveland Medical Center, a leading pulmonary critical care center and a nationally ranked hospital. Medpace, a leading contract research organization based in Cincinnati, Ohio, is serving as the CRO for this study. The Company's program evaluating administration of MultiStem for the treatment of ARDS was recently granted Fast Track designation by the FDA based on the promising Phase 1/2 data from its previously completed MUST-ARDS trial. Currently there are no FDA-approved medicines for the treatment of ARDS.

06:26 EDT DaVita announces launch of DaVita Venture Group - As part of its continued efforts to further transform patient care, DaVita today unveiled DaVita Venture Group, or DVG. This group plans to accelerate DaVita's efforts to develop and deploy solutions that are designed to improve the health care and quality of life for people with kidney disease and related chronic conditions. "Innovation should never stop when there is an opportunity to improve patient care," said Javier Rodriguez, CEO of DaVita. "We want to transform kidney health - from chronic kidney disease to transplant - and we're putting financial and strategic resources into these solutions. We believe we can be the partner of choice for entrepreneurs who want to bring best in class technology and innovations to market." With a focus on broadening innovation across the continuum, DVG aims to expand access to care and improve clinical outcomes while also increasing the adoption of value-based care to reduce costs.

06:25 EDT Patterson-UTI reports an average of 105 drilling rigs operating in April - Patterson-UTI reported that for the month of April, the company had an average of 105 drilling rigs operating.

06:24 EDT Tarena regains compliance with Nasdaq listing rules - Tarena announced that it has received a letter from The Nasdaq Stock Market, dated May 4, notifying the company that it has regained compliance with Nasdaq Listing Rules 5250(c)(1), as required by the decision of the Nasdaq Hearing Panel dated December 16, 2019. Accordingly, the Panel determined to continue the listing of the company's securities on Nasdaq and has closed the matter.

06:23 EDT FireEye and CipherCloud announce joint solution - CipherCloud and FireEye announced a joint solution designed to deliver the industry's first real-time protection of zero-day threats across the enterprise, cloud, SaaS and mobile environments. The solution also offers 360-degree visibility by aggregating and correlating threats from the enterprise network, cloud, SaaS and mobile environments. The integration addresses the new wave of cybersecurity threats facing today's unprecedented remote workforce by utilizing unmanaged endpoints and devices to access enterprise and cloud collaboration applications, such as Microsoft Office 365, Salesforce, Slack, and ServiceNow.

06:20 EDT Carter's board suspends quarterly dividend

06:20 EDT PQ Group sees demand reduced in the near- to mid-term - PQ's businesses and many of its vendors and customers have been able to continue operations through the pandemic as essential businesses under government regulations. While there have been some modest production delays through the Q1. PQ has not experienced material operational issues in terms of facility shutdowns or its supply chain. "At the executive leadership and Board levels, we are continuously monitoring the situation," the company concluded. "While we continue to believe in the favorable long-term demand drivers for our businesses, the pandemic is expected to reduce demand in the near- to mid-term. We will continue to navigate through this crisis to mitigate the impacts on PQ and its employees, customers and shareholders."

06:17 EDT Welbilt withdraws FY20 guidance - The company saiid, "Due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the resulting impact on the commercial foodservice industry and uncertainty of demand for our products, we previously withdrew our 2020 guidance on March 20. We do not plan to reinstate guidance until macroeconomic and commercial foodservice industry conditions have sufficiently stabilized."

06:13 EDT DuPont sees markets eventually stabilizing, returning to growth - "DuPont has weathered many challenges and crises over its two centuries and our team is navigating this period with the benefit of our cumulative expertise," CEO Ed Breen said. "While it is still impossible to predict timing, our markets will eventually stabilize and return to growth. In the interim we are prioritizing the safety and health of our employees, safely maintaining our operations, strengthening our balance sheet, and partnering with other industry leaders to combat this pandemic. Through April, we continue to see strength in personal protection, water filtration, food and beverage, electronics and probiotics. Automotive, oil and gas, and select industrial end markets continue to suffer. We are monitoring developments across our geographies and operations on a daily basis and we will continue to adapt to the changing environment. Over the longer term, our resilient people and our operational discipline will help assure that we weather this period, deliver for our stakeholders, and emerge strong when recovery eventually begins," Breen said. "We have intensified our focus on what we can control in this rapidly changing business environment by executing on a disciplined plan. This includes optimizing working capital, deferring certain capital expenditures, improving our cost structure, and strengthening our liquidity," said Lori Koch, DuPont CFO. "These actions will ensure our balance sheet remains strong and all of our businesses are positioned for growth when market demand returns."

06:12 EDT Neuronetics cuts FY20 operating expense view to $58M-$60M from $76M-$78M - On April 8, the company announced a corporate restructuring and now expects operating expenses for the full year 2020 to be in the range of $58M-$60M, compared to the previously issued guidance of $76M-$78M. On an annualized basis, this restructuring is estimated to reduce annual operating expenses by $27M-$29M. On April 22, the company received a Paycheck Protection Program loan in the amount of approximately $6.4M. Due to questions concerning the eligibility of public companies similarly situated to the company, the company will repay its PPP loan on or before May 7.

06:10 EDT DuPont reports Q1 Non-Core sales down 19% to $366M - Non-Core reported net sales of $366 million, down 19 percent from the year-ago period. Organic sales were down 10 percent driven by 12 percent volume declines offset by 2 percent pricing gains. The September 2019 divestiture of the DuPont Sustainable Solutions business reduced sales by 9 percent. Currency was flat. Significant volume declines due to weak demand for trichlorosilane and for Sorona fiber in carpet and apparel applications was partially offset by volume gains in pastes. Operating EBITDA for the segment was $42 million, a decrease of 57 percent from pro forma operating EBITDA of $98 million in the year-ago period with the benefits from price more than offset by significantly lower volumes of TCS and Sorona fiber and lower Hemlock Semiconductor equity earnings.

06:08 EDT Louisiana-Pacific sees FY20 CapEx less than $70M, says no share repurchases - LP's guidance is based on current plans and expectations and is subject to a number of known and unknown uncertainties and risks, including those related to the COVID-19 pandemic and set forth below in "Forward-Looking Statements." Given its current outlook, LP expects capital expenditures for 2020 to be less than $70M. No share repurchases in 2020. LP suspends its SmartSide Strand sales growth guidance for 2020.

06:06 EDT Louisiana-Pacific reduces mill operating schedules - The company said, "The COVID-19 pandemic and the resulting containment did not materially impact our results of operations for the three months ended March 31, 2020 due to our ability to continue operations and deliver customer orders through the end of the period. However, the COVID-19 pandemic and actions taken in response thereto are continuing to have a significant adverse effect on many sectors of the economy, including on new home building and remodeling activity. We have taken the following measures: LP is following national, state, and local guidelines while also continuing to provide LP products to support critical infrastructure needs. Employees able to work from home have been doing so since March 16, 2020. All manufacturing facilities have been declared essential by the relevant authorities. We have instituted rigorous cleaning and social distancing protocols as outlined by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the World Health Organization. LP has reduced mill operating schedules to balance production and demand. While we currently expect any negative impact on sales to be temporary, the duration of the COVID-19 pandemic, the actions to contain the pandemic and treat its impacts, and the effects on our operations are highly uncertain and cannot be predicted at this time."

06:06 EDT DuPont reports Q1 Nutrition & Biosciences sales up 1% to $1.5B - Nutrition & Biosciences reported net sales of $1.5 billion, up 1 percent from the year-ago period. Organic sales were up 3 percent with a 2 percent price improvement and a 1 percent volume gain. Currency was a 2 percent headwind. Sales gains were led by Health & Biosciences with high-single digit growth versus the same period last year. The probiotics business recorded its strongest quarter ever with mid-teens growth as key initiatives to strengthen the North America market were implemented and consumer demand for immune health strengthened globally. Strong consumer demand in the home & personal care and animal nutrition markets also provided double-digit growth in the quarter. Food & Beverage sales were up slightly on an organic basis with improvement in protein solutions driven by increased demand for packaged foods and on-going strength in the plant-based meat category, off-set by continued upstream challenges in the sweeteners supply chain. Steady demand across Pharma Solutions contributed to the gains in the quarter. Operating EBITDA for the segment was $385 million, an increase of 10 percent from pro forma operating EBITDA of $349 million in the year-ago period. Pricing gains across the segment and a favorable product mix led by the strength in Health & Biosciences provided a 210 basis point improvement in segment operating EBITDA margins.

06:05 EDT DuPont reports Q1 Electronics & Imaging sales up 7% to $844M - Electronics & Imaging reported net sales of $884 million, up 7 percent from the year-ago period. Organic sales were up 8 percent driven by a 9 percent volume gain offset by a 1 percent decline in price. Currency was a 1 percent headwind. Volume gains were led by Semiconductor Technologies where new technology ramps within logic and foundry, coupled with robust demand for memory in servers and data centers delivered double-digit growth versus the year-ago period. Volume growth within Interconnect Solutions was also strong, driven by higher material content in premium, next-generation smartphones. Within Image Solutions, volume gains in flexographic plates, mainly into consumer packaged goods, were mostly offset by weakness in inks and OLEDs. Operating EBITDA for the segment was $253 million, a decrease of 12 percent from pro forma operating EBITDA of $288 million in the year-ago period, driven primarily by the absence of a $50 million gain associated with an asset sale recognized in the prior year.

06:03 EDT Medley Capital announces termination of merger pact with Sierra Income - Medley Capital announced that it has received a notice of termination from Sierra Income of its agreement to merge with MCC pursuant to the Amended and Restated Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of July 29, 2019, between MCC and Sierra. Under the Amended Merger Agreement, either party may, subject to certain conditions, terminate the Amended Merger Agreement if the merger is not consummated by March 31, 2020. Sierra elected to do so on May 1, 2020. Representatives of Sierra informed the Company that in determining to terminate the Amended Merger Agreement, Sierra considered a number of factors, including, among other factors, changes in the relative valuation of the Company and Sierra, the changed circumstances and the unpredictable economic conditions resulting from the global health crisis caused by the coronavirus pandemic, and the uncertainty regarding the parties' ability to satisfy the conditions to closing the merger in a timely manner. Following this, the Special Committee of the Board of Directors of MCC will remain constituted. The termination frees the Special Committee to explore strategic alternatives seeking to maximize stockholder value. The Special Committee continues to consult with Houlihan Lokey, its financial advisor.

05:38 EDT CNH Industrial announces progressive resumption of manufacturing operations - CNH Industrial announced that the resumption of manufacturing operations is proceeding according to plan, and follows all COVID-19 health and safety protocols on a global basis. Central to this process is employee health and safety and agreements with trade unions, to ensure full engagement with the resumption of activities. More than two thirds of the company's 67 plants are already operational, to varying degrees. On a regional basis, more than 75% of production sites in Europe and some 60% in North America, in South America and in the Rest of the World are already operational; in the case of the latter, when considering joint ventures, this proportion approaches 90%. Priority was given to agricultural and powertrain manufacturing, considered essential industries by governments, and in response to local market demands. These were followed by commercial and specialty vehicle manufacturing, given the importance of the transportation and civil protection sectors at this time, and thereafter construction equipment production. The company plans to return to full operation at most sites by the end of the month. Modifications may be necessary if local or regional situations deteriorate or in response to specific critical issues, such as end market conditions and supply chains. From the beginning of the pandemic, the company has continuously maintained support and assistance to its sales networks and global spare parts and components supply. End customers, together with the dealer network, have been fully supported by CNH Industrial Aftermarket Solutions, and today, almost all of its 45 logistics hubs are operational, the majority of which are running at full capacity. To guarantee future product innovation, CNH Industrial is maintaining its commitment to its most significant Research & Development programs. Today some 24,000 company employees are able to work from home, and around half are operational. Where available, the company in agreement with trade unions, is leveraging employee salary support measures. During this period, the company remains committed to updating and refining its health and safety protocols. Through the contributions of qualified external experts, as well as working in partnership with local and national health authorities, CNH Industrial is ensuring the highest levels of protection and safeguarding for its employees and the local communities in which it operates.

05:18 EDT P&O Cruises extends pause in operations in Australia, New Zealand until Aug. 31 - P&O Cruises (CCL) announced it has extended its voluntary pause in operations in Australia and New Zealand to August 31, 2020, in response to continuing travel restrictions due to the impact of COVID-19. P&O Cruises President Sture Myrmell said everyone at P&O looked forward to resuming cruise operations as soon as it was safe to do so but it was clear an extension to the pause was necessary while Australia and New Zealand continue to make progress in combating coronavirus. "Australia and New Zealand have led the world in flattening the COVID-19 curve, which adds to our optimism for the future. However, we also recognise that a further extension is the prudent and responsible course," Mr Myrmell said. "In the confident knowledge that cruising will be back, this is an opportunity to update our guests on the latest itinerary plans and to thank them for their understanding and support during this period of uncertainty. We look forward to welcoming them back onboard our ships when it is safe to do so."